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Chapter 1 - Introduction to Health Systems

Setting the Scene

from Section 1 - Analyzing Health Systems: Concepts, Components, Performance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 December 2022

By
Sameen Siddiqi ,
David H. Peters  and
Awad Mataria
Edited by
Sameen Siddiqi ,
Awad Mataria ,
Katherine D. Rouleau  and
Meesha Iqbal
Sameen Siddiqi
Affiliation:
Aga Khan University
Awad Mataria
Affiliation:
World Health Organization, Egypt
Katherine D. Rouleau
Affiliation:
University of Toronto
Meesha Iqbal
Affiliation:
UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston
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Summary

Well-performing health systems are critical for pursuing universal health coverage and for achieving health-related SDGs. It is important to grasp key concepts such as systems approach, analysis, and thinking before taking a deeper dive into health systems. Health systems can be described in broad or restricted terms. The most widely accepted definition includes all the institutions, actors, and activities whose primary purpose is to promote, restore or maintain health. There are many health system frameworks and models of which four have been reviewed - WHO’s Health System Conceptual Framework, Control Knobs Framework, Kielmann’s and Roemer’s Health System Models. No single framework addresses all aspects of a health system. It is more useful to know the strengths and limitations, and usefulness of each in achieving a specific objective such as for description and analysis, designing system reform, or evaluation. Interventions whether system-led, programmatic or those addressing health determinants are part of the wider health system and offer the best opportunity for improving health outcomes when addressed together.

Keywords

Health systemSystems approachSystems analysisSystems thinkingHealth system goalsHealth system modelsHealth system frameworksHealth systems and programsHealth system comparative analysisL&MIC
Type
Chapter
Information
Making Health Systems Work in Low and Middle Income Countries
Textbook for Public Health Practitioners
 , pp. 1 - 19
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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References

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