Annual Programme of Work 2009 - Ministry of Health

6. AGENCY SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES OF WORK
6.1. GOVERNANCE AND FINANCING
6.1.1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEADQUARTERS
The Ministry of Health is responsible for coordination and alignment of policies and
programs of agencies in line with the agreed priorities and mobilise and allocate resources
for the implementation of programmes by agencies. In addition the MOH also monitors the
implementation of policies and programmes and coordinate processes for evaluation of the
programme of work as well as coordinate the development and implementation of the
Capital Investment Plan.
Key Challenges in implementing the 2008 POW include coordination and alignment of
policies. An Inter- Agency Leadership Committee was formed to provide the platform for
agency heads to interact with the Minister and the MoH on issues related to the
implementation of key policies and programmes. It is however too early to access the effect
of the committee on the overall coordination of implementation of policies in the health
sector. Changes in levels of resources mobilised for the sector were not reflected in agency
plans. There were difficulties in aligning the procurement cycle to the budget due to budget
cuts during the year.
Resource flow to the sector remained erratic and cash flow from GoG and Partners largely
remain a challenge. Predictability of fund releases also made for difficulties in adherence to
time frames outlined in plans. Information on earmarked funds also remains a challenge
with the MoH still not having comprehensive information on the allocation and
disbursements. Budget execution and financial reporting still operate on different templates
making it difficult to obtain comprehensive allocation and disbursement reports.
The policy thrust of the Ministry of Health in 2009 is to align policies and programmes,
ensure good governance and improve productivity.
Priority activities
Policy Coordination
• Develop policy framework for bills awaiting parliamentary approval
• Strengthen the role of the Inter Agency Leadership Committee in the implementation of
sector plans and programmes
• Refine and improve alignment of procurement plans to the budget.
Resource Mobilisation and Financial Management
• Continue dialogue with MOFEP and Development partners to improve predictability of
resource inflows
• Harmonise reports of budget execution within the Ministry by instituting a joint
expenditure monitoring system.
• Work with Controller and Accountant Generals Department to fully implement BPEMS
• Develop plans for the implementation of recommendations of the PFM needs assessment.
22