The effect of results-based financing reforms in improving the quality of maternal and child health services: case of Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

Result Based Financing (RBF) is a financing mechanism for health facilities based on actual and objectively measured outputs of the institutions concerned. The goal of the National RBF Program is to contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality by improving access to an affordable and quality package of essential health care services to the people of Uganda, with equal rights and opportunities. This study aimed at examining the effect of RBF reforms in improving the quality of maternal and child health services in Uganda. The study adopted quarterly quality assessment data collected from the health facilities by the Ministry of Health and specifically used the last quarter of the 2020/2021 financial year. In addition, the study used both a descriptive and analytical approach and applied the Ordinary Least Squares method to study the effect of results based financing reforms in improving the quality of maternal and child health services in Uganda. The regression results reveal that result based financing has a positive effect on the quality of health services provided by health centers in Uganda. The study recommends for an increase in RBF funding and strengthen a wide range of mechanisms to enhance the performance of the health system.