Rwanda Integrated Health Systems Strengthening Project: Quarterly Project Report Narrative (October – December, 2012)

The project focused on three main components: Health Management Information System (HMIS), Health Financing, and Quality Improvement. The HMIS component aimed to increase the capacity of policymakers to collect, analyze, and disseminate health data. A HMIS data collection and reporting manual was finalized and is under review for validation. Workshops were conducted on SQL queries and design of specialized reports using DHIS, and district health teams and hospital administrators received training on strategic planning costing using a costing tool developed by IHSSP and the RBC M&E team. The IHSSP/HMIS team also completed the importation of historical data from TracNet and key malaria indicators into the National Data Warehouse and updated the UBUDEHE database with new data from 14,000 village spreadsheets. The Health Financing component aimed to strengthen financial systems for the rational use of available health resources. The IHSSP team supported the MOH in designing a provider payment system (DRG) and its standard operating procedures. An auto-evaluation workshop was conducted to strengthen and improve the use of CBHI Financial Management Tool (FMT) at the decentralized level. The team also conducted trainings followed by mentoring of district pharmacies and CBHI structures on the Integrated Financial Management Information System (SMART-IFMIS) and provided technical support in elaboration of CBHI ministerial orders. The Quality Improvement component aimed to improve the quality of health services through standardized approaches. An accreditation steering committee was established with clear roles and responsibilities. IHSSP/MSH supported the development of Rwanda hospital accreditation standards, additional policies, and procedures to be disseminated to health facilities. The team also supported the development of a decentralization strategic plan and the final drafting of the Health Sector Strategic Plan III. The project made significant progress in the reporting quarter, with achievements in all three components. The HMIS component made progress in increasing the capacity of policymakers and strengthening the HMIS. The Health Financing component made progress in designing a provider payment system and improving the use of CBHI Financial Management Tool. The Quality Improvement component made progress in establishing an accreditation steering committee and developing Rwanda hospital accreditation standards. The project's achievements are expected to contribute to improved health outcomes in Rwanda. The project's focus on strengthening health systems, improving health financing, and enhancing quality improvement is expected to have a positive impact on the country's health sector. The project's progress will continue to be monitored and evaluated to ensure that it meets its objectives and contributes to improved health outcomes in Rwanda.