Assessing the effectiveness of the integrated financial management system in Ministry of Health - Uganda

Abstract

The study examined the IFMS implemented by ministry of health. It was guided by three objectives which included an evaluation of the IFMS currently implemented by MoH, to establish the factors that hinder the effective use/implementation of IFMS in MoH, to propose institutional level suggestions for effective use/implementation of the integrated financial management system in MoH. Using a case study design, data was collected from a sample of 79 staff at MOH using self-administered questionnaires and interviews. On the nature of IFMS in ministry of health, findings revealed that majority (73.8%) of the staff in ministry of health agreed with the view that IFMS has led to significant reductions in wasteful expenses and irregular expenditure this means that budget allocations are directed to the intended areas. Findings also indicated that IFMS has streamlined procedures and significantly reduced opportunity for corruption since majority(77%) of the respondents were in agreement with the statement. It was also established that IFMS has ensured that the ministry budget is executed in accordance with rules to prevent overspending. On the factors that hinder the effective use/implementation study showed that most of the staff in management doesn’t possess the required knowledge and skills to implement and use the IFMS as majority (68.9%) disagreed with the assertion. About 80% of the respondents noted that staffs in the ministry are not fully aware of the benefits associated with the use of the IFMS. However, a vast majority (82%) of the respondents agreed with the statement that the IFMS has been successful because it directly supports the achievement of key high-level government goals. On recommendations for improvement, responses revealed that government should put in place a mechanism for evaluating of changes in line ministries. Majority (62.7%) of the respondents consented with the assertion that as a remedy to improve the IFMS government should ensure there is top level management commitment for effective IFMS implementation. Respondents noted that there should be clear legal guidance on the roles and responsibilities of all institutions involved in the implementation IFMIS as majority (57.3%) were in agreement with the assertion. The study recommended that government should explore opportunity for partnership with the private sector and non-governmental actors to support their agenda as a way of promoting sustainability of the respective agencies. Government should ensure that end users undertake training in the use of systems its success.