USAID | Transparency in Health Engagement Activity Quarterly Report July - September 2018

The project envisions transparency in the health sector as a key feature of strong governance and a critical prerequisite for accountability. To address corruption issues in the health sector, the project is engaged in activities to build the capacity of the High State Audit (HSA), the High Inspectorate for the Declaration and Audit of Assets and the Prevention of Conflicts of Interest (HIDAACI), and the Ombudsperson Office to generate evidence through performance audits, complaints investigation, and asset reporting for sustainable transparency and accountability. The project is also working with civil society and media organizations to engage citizens to use their on-the-ground knowledge of corruption and problem solve on possible systems improvements. The project's goal is to increase the role and impact of performance audits in the health sector, develop a new electronic data system for improved outcomes, improve the capacities of the Ombudsperson Office to identify, refer, and publish corrupt practices, and engage civil society and media to enhance the anti-corruption work of the targeted institutions. During the second quarter period of Year 2 from July 01 through September 30, 2018, the project achieved several major milestones. The Inter-Institutional Roundtable on Strengthening Watchdog Institutions to Increase Transparency in the Health Sector was organized and prepared, and the Red Flags IT Tool was implemented and a Procedural Manual was delivered to the High State Audit. Sub-grantees Together for Life, Partners Albania, and Balkan Investigative Reporting Network in Albania (BIRN) produced various outputs, including a video on the rights of patients, advocacy plans for regional CSOs, and published stories on corruption in the healthcare system. However, the project faced several challenges during the reporting period, including the lack of availability of target institution staff assigned to technical working groups due to the summer holidays. This resulted in delays in finalizing some of the activities as planned, including the Ombudsperson special investigation field work and the implementation of the IT solutions for High State Audit. The Council of Europe was also unable to secure full funding for the hardware required for the EACIDS work plan until the end of the reporting period. The project's quarterly report highlights the achievements and challenges faced during the second quarter period of Year 2. The report provides an overview of the project's activities, milestones, and challenges, and serves as a progress update for stakeholders. The project's continued efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector are crucial for improving the health outcomes of Albanian citizens. The High State Audit (HSA) played a crucial role in the project's activities during the second quarter period. The HSA was responsible for implementing the Red Flags IT Tool and developing a Procedural Manual to support the tool's implementation. The HSA also participated in the Inter-Institutional Roundtable on Strengthening Watchdog Institutions to Increase Transparency in the Health Sector. The High Inspectorate for the Declaration and Audit of Assets and the Prevention of Conflicts of Interest (HIDAACI) was also involved in the project's activities during the second quarter period. HIDAACI was responsible for developing a new electronic data system for improved outcomes, known as the Electronic Asset and Conflict of Interest Declaration System (EACIDS). However, the project faced delays in implementing the EACIDS work plan due to the lack of availability of target institution staff and the inability of the Council of Europe to secure full funding for the required hardware. The Ombudsperson Office was another key institution involved in the project's activities during the second quarter period. The Ombudsperson Office was responsible for improving its capacities to identify, refer, and publish corrupt practices in the healthcare sector. The project developed a Mobile App called "Peoples Advocate" to support the Ombudsperson Office's efforts in this area. The project's engagement with civil society and media organizations was also an important aspect of its activities during the second quarter period. The project worked with sub-grantees Together for Life, Partners Albania, and Balkan Investigative Reporting Network in Albania (BIRN) to produce various outputs, including a video on the rights of patients, advocacy plans for regional CSOs, and published stories on corruption in the healthcare system.