China: Health VIII (Basic Health Services Project)

Region: East Asia and Pacific
Country: China
Client: DFID; World Bank;Government of China
Date: 2003-2005

The Health VIII project aimed to increase China's capacity to deliver appropriate and effective services in more than 70 of the poorest counties (in seven provinces). This was done by:

• improving the allocation and management of resources for health
• upgrading rural health facilities
• improving the quality and effectiveness of health services
• increasing risk sharing and affordability of essential healthcare for the poor

HLSP worked closely with the Ministry of Health on a joint programme of technical assistance as it implemented health policy reforms. HLSP's team of in-house, Chinese and international health experts advised the Government of China in all aspects of the project. HLSP also organised training courses for high-level Chinese officials and facilitated study tours to Thailand, the USA and Bangladesh to learn about other countries' experiences in health services development and financing.

Technical area:

• Health economics and financing