An analysis of health facility services readiness for non-communicable diseases in 8 LMICs in the universal health coverage era.

Abstract

Background: The readiness of health facility services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a critical aspect of global health infrastructure. NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, pose significant challenges to public health systems worldwide. This study assesses health facility services readiness for NCDs in 8 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: The data is collected using stratified random sampling method with a sample size of 7606 health facilities, the study assesses the health facility services readiness index for general and disease-specific health services by using the survey data from service provision assessment (SPA) between 2015 to 2021 for eight countries under the study. This service readiness index represents the percentage of items considered essential for providing general and specific health services issued by the World Health Organisation.

Results: The mean values of the service readiness index at 95% confidence interval are 56.2%, 37.7%, 35.4%, and 36.5% for the general health services, diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, respectively. These results show substantial variations range from 1% to 20 % in the service readiness index by health facility types in the countries of this study. Overall, public facilities have achieved a higher service readiness index score and, thus, have demonstrated a greater level of preparation in providing general and disease-specific health services for chronic non-communicable diseases.

Conclusion: A substantial number of health facilities in these countries are not adequately prepared to care for chronic NCDs. More investment in critical health infrastructure is urgently needed to strengthen the capacity of health systems in the countries of this study. The investment should focus on achieving universal health coverage (UHC) goals vis-à-vis reducing the burden of premature mortality from chronic diseases.