Sri Lanka is one of 78 countries in the world with universal health coverage for all. Since its most recent Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policy was implemented in 2018, an analysis of its effectiveness in achieving health for all has not yet been conducted. In May 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Director General of Health Services (DGHS) requested the Data Impact Program to support in a comprehensive review of the UHC policy through desk reviews, analysis of existing UHC service coverage index indicators (as determined by the WHO), and interviews with key informants who can speak to pertinent aspects of the UHC policy.
In addition to conducting this analysis and producing a final report with recommendations on what to include in the next UHC policy, the team recognized the importance of identifying more immediate actions that can be taken in the short term. To do this, a workshop was organized to identify some of the key problems in reaching the global UHC indicators and targets that Sri Lanka has not yet met, including: acute respiratory infection among children less than 5 years, TB treatment coverage, hypertension treatment coverage, high mean fasting blood glucose, tobacco use, and health professional availability per capita.
In 2023, the D2P program in Sri Lanka was institutionalized within the Directorate of Policy Analysis and Planning in the MOH. To identify problems, root causes, and potential policy solutions for the above-mentioned UHC indicators, master D2P trainers within the MOH led a 3-dayworkshop October 28-30 in Colombo for representatives from institutions such as the MOH, the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration, and the Government Medical Officers’ Association. Each team was assigned indicators to identify potential policy solutions and short-term recommendations. On day three of the workshop, the teams presented options to the DGHS. In an exciting development, the DGHS noted that many of the recommendations will be incorporated in the next primary health care policy in Sri Lanka. In addition, the team is also currently finalizing a larger summary report with recommendations on what to change and include in the next national Universal Health Coverage policy.
