Medical Services

The Medical Services programme has four priority areas that aim to improve the quality of health service. These focus areas includes:

· Increasing coverage, utilization and access to health care;

· Setting standards and norms;

· Ensuring quality of Care;

· Providing essential health services package;

In line with these priorities, the FMOH has reorganizing the health service delivery system into a four-tier system:

  • Implement decentralized management to ensure full community participation;
  • Develop and implement an essential health service package and referral system;
  • Develop health facility standards; and
  • Staff and equip health facilities.

Achievements

  • 86.7% national health coverage.
  • Many regions are already over 90% coverage rate and others are expected to achieve the 100% target within 2009 (2001 EFY).
  • Physical access has improved throughout the country with the construction and upgrading of many health facilities.
  • There has been important development in the area of standardization – setting the minimum service standards for the delivery of services; performance standards, preparation of a professional ethical code; improved financial control system – have all been put in place.
  • Overall quality of services, evidence-based research and diagnostic support to improve the quality of care is being coordinated by the FMOH in collaboration with the Ethiopia Health Nutrition and Research Institute (EHNRI), especially the strengthening of laboratory supports services.

 

Although significant progress has been made in the area of improving the quality, utilization and accessibility of medical services, the program continued to be hampered by the shortage of professional staff or appropriately trained staff, equipment and supplies at all levels.


Various incentive schemes are being used to attract and retain professional staff in the regions to close the human resource gaps. Furthermore, partnering agencies have been crucial in helping FMOH bridge the resource gap to help equip health facilities.