Institutional Financing of Catastrophic Health Expenditures

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Patients' financial protection is considered a key component of health systems and has been a consistent policy goal of the Department of Health. Of paramount importance are catastrophic health expenditures, which can severely restrict affected patients and families' access to much-needed services, contribute to (further) impoverishment, or both. This study was undertaken to determine the institutional mechanisms for addressing these expenditures and to develop a framework to improve the existing arrangements. Focus group discussions were held separately with patients (or family members), providers (clinical and support staff), and representatives of policy or financing agencies. One of the recommendations based on the inputs from the focus group discussions was to establish a dedicated unit to further develop relevant policies and strategies for the integrated financing of catastrophic health expenditures.