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Program Evaluation for Demand Side Financing Maternal Health Care Voucher Scheme
Financer:
DFID
Country:
Bangladesh
Field of Expertise:
Health Service Delivery; PHC/MNCH/RH/Nutrition/W&S; Reproductive Health / Maternal health / newborn health; Health Economics and Financing; Demand side financing; Demand side financing
Narrative description of project:
A comprehensive evaluation of Demand Side Financing (DSF) Maternal Health Voucher Scheme in Bangladesh was undertaken. In line with the reform agenda of the Health Sector Program in Bangladesh, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) piloted the DSF scheme in 21 districts in 2007/8 which was scaled-up in 53 sub-districts in 2010. The aim was to increase utilization of maternal health care services by the poor. A voucher entitles its holder to receive free maternal health care services including ante- and post-natal care, safe delivery and treatment of complications (including caesarean sections and assisted vaginal delivery from designated facilities (public or private) or skilled providers in the community. Service recipients receive cash incentives, transport subsidies, and a gift box. Service providers also receive incentives to distribute vouchers and to provide services covered by the voucher scheme. The scheme is implemented by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) using pool funds from the sector program of the MOHFW with technical assistance from WHO.
