Andhra Pradesh Health Sector Reform - A Narrative Case Study

• Evaluate the Strategic Planning and Innovation Unit’s (SPIU) existing needs and
assess what kind of support that should be provided when going forward.
• Assign an independent entity to continuously conduct impact assessments, as well as
monitor and evaluate the reform process and provide policy support to the
government and to ensure effective allocation of resources. This could potentially
improve the overall transparency of the reform process and help the government to
build trust in the communities.
Concluding comments: It is evident that innovative steps have been taken to shape the
future health status of the population in Andhra Pradesh. The recent health care initiatives
reflect positive changes in the mindset of both government officials and private health care
providers, yet the reforms need sustained commitment to succeed and reach its targets. In
conclusion, the health sector reform process needs time. It needs time to get all stakeholders
wholeheartedly on board and to institutionalize the routines, attitudes and activities, as well
as to gain the trust among people in the community.
External involvement in the process can be a critical factor for improved accountability and
transparency, as well as for cross‐learning within the Government of Andhra Pradesh but
also internationally. Technical assistance could play an important role to support the
enabling environment and the initiated innovative approaches, hence be essential in the
transformation of the initiatives bringing them from pilots to well‐anchored programs.
Independent monitoring might be the determining factors to strengthen the awareness and
trust in this health sector reform process. Though there are numerous impressive and
innovative components and initiatives of this reform process, there are some important
remaining gaps, whereas impact assessments and evaluations are essential to create a better
picture of what works and what does not.
This report brings forward the health sector reforms in Andhra Pradesh to spur the
discussion of health sector reforms as a phenomenon. Other governments can, and should,
learn from the extensive and innovative approaches and change of mindset, while the
government of Andhra Pradesh would benefit from improved access to information
regarding related policy reforms and their affects in other countries.
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