Charles Dalton’s Post

THE FUTURE OF HEALTH SYSTEMS: A 2024 PERSPECTIVE As we navigate through 2024, the global health sector continues to evolve, grappling with lingering COVID-19 legacy issues but also striving to drive change. Amidst discussions on pandemic response, emergency preparedness, digital transformation, and data utilization, one thing remains clear: the key to success lies in the development of robust health systems. In many Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), governments face the daunting task of escalating demands amidst increasing fiscal pressure. The challenge is not just about how much money is spent on health system improvements, but about how wisely the available funding is used. System thinking can be beneficial in this context. A critical starting point is to ask: Do we have the right functional system to deliver all required services? Do we have access to the right people, equipped with the right tools and resources, and are they coordinated effectively? How can we better drive synergies between all stakeholders, including public, private, and donors? As debates around these topics intensify, there's a risk of them being overshadowed by short-term rhetoric driven by political agendas. From my perspective, healthcare systems perform optimally when planned with a long-term vision, allowing for periodic reviews and adjustments. The perception that the developed world has replicable health systems for others to follow has been challenged, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Perhaps developing markets can offer valuable insights on what needs to be considered when building sustainable health systems. Here are some fundamentals that I believe will contribute to maintaining focus on developing and evolving health systems: - Understand and then smartly tackle the under-investment gap in the health sector. - Be wary of the risk of pendulum themed planning and perhaps align financing to support cohesiveness. - Correctly assess, plan, and then deploy technology. Think practical reality, not hype. - Invest in quality across the health systems spectrum. - Understand referral management to better organize access at the the appropriate level of care. - Support affordable healthcare through better payment mechanisms and reducing the scourge of out-of-pocket payments. - Ensure a consistent supply of good quality affordable drugs and medical consumables. - Plan and align medical equipment to need, and remember you might need to invest in people to make it work! - Understand and challenge historic norms that have now created what is becoming an urgent need to train more health professionals. - Effectively coordinate public and private collaboration. While this may seem like a big ask, and relatively easy on paper, the reality is far more complex. It requires long-term commitment and the ability to stay focused on a clear strategy. But with concerted effort and strategic thinking, we can make significant strides in improving global health systems.

A second post with my colleague Raju and in collaboration with HBI and, in advance of their June 2024 conference in London. The text below includes a discount count for the event. It will be great if you can join the emerging market summit @ HBI on 10th June.

I was happy to participate in the short video below for world health day 2024

As mentioned previously, IFC and HBI are partnering for an emerging markets session on June 10th as part of the HBI June 2024 Conference in London. Below is an article published by HBI and written by Raju Narayan and me. In the run-up to the conference, HBI will publish further articles written by IFC. https://lnkd.in/eqepPzG3

I'm sorry, but you might have to register with Lancet to read it (it's free). This clear, concise article highlights how poorly Cancer (in this case cervical) is managed in low—and middle-income markets. It confirms that NCDs have been widely ignored by many on the global health agenda. Action is required. In the next decade, NCDs are most likely to be the leading cause of death in many or most countries globally. https://lnkd.in/djdyQTja

I love my technology and gadgets but I am increasingly aware of the risks. The article below and discussion is fascinating. For me it's about how we harness digital advancement for the better. There is a real risk that poorly controlled use of phones can lead to problems. For example, I am sure there are multiple studies confirming the impact of phone and social media use on mental health and especially in Children. There are of course many benefits from such technology but for children how do you get the balance right?

Today is International Women's Day. In the health sector over 60% of the workforce are female. Women play a key role in providing access to care. We now need to do more to help more women realize their full potential and access senior management and senior clinical positions. Senior Women leadership in the health sector is only +/- 25%. We need more career pathways to open up the right opportunities for progression and to make use of the vast knowledge and experience offered by women for the sector.

Please see below. Another example of a huge cyber attack on data in health care. The attacks are growing. It's important to put in place the necessary systems and resources to try and prevent the attacks. This is a growing global problem! https://lnkd.in/eHpnXhKE

Please join us in London. IFC has teamed up with HBI. As part of the HBI conference 10th to 12th June 2024 in London, we are hosting an afternoon session on the 10th dedicated to investing in emerging markets. This will be an interactive event to share knowledge from investors and operators in these markets. It will be an excellent opportunity for those wanting to learn more about these markets and the investment mindset required.

Please see below and join us if you can. Our latest benchmarking initiative has provided fascinating insights from private sector entities across many markets. Join us to hear more about what we have learnt from the financial, operational and quality indicators collected. Also hear feedback from entities who participated.