International Consultant: To Develop a National Hospital Sector Strategy

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Qualifications

1.       Purpose of the consultancy

The main objective of this international consultant is to support Syria in developing a national hospital sector strategy, in the context of the country’s short and mid-term aspirations using the regional framework for action for the hospital sector.  This is founded in national health priorities, current and foreseen capacities, and resources.  

2.       Background and rationale

Hospitals are essential actors in achieving universal health coverage and contribute to implementing the vision for primary health care. In 2019, during the 66th session of the Regional Committee, Member States adopted resolution EM/RC66/R.4 on introducing the regional framework for action for the hospital sector in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The resolution called on Member States to: ensure political commitment to planning and implementation of people-cantered hospitals; develop/update a national hospital sector strategy using the regional framework for action; and monitor and evaluate hospital sector performance and progress in implementing the national strategy. It further requested the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean to provide technical support to Member States to build capacity for the development and implementation of a national hospital sector strategy, and to assist Member States in enhancing management capacities in the hospital sector.

Prior to the war, Syria had a well-established healthcare system for both curative and preventive services, with comprehensive coverage of the population. The Syrian health care system is dominated by the public health sector with the Ministry of Health (MOH) providing primary, secondary, tertiary and public health services through a relatively large network of health facilities.  Other ministries also provide health care services in their hospitals. Poor infrastructure, lack of consistent power supply, and poor WASH conditions in healthcare facilities have hampered the health system’s functionality, including access to quality, integrated primary and secondary health services. In the second quarter of 2024, 46 per cent of public hospitals were either not functioning or partially functioning, while 61 per cent of primary health care facilities were either partially functioning or not functioning at all.   Private sector is a major provider of secondary care in the country. There are major gaps in the quantity and quality of health care workers, with an estimated one half of health care workers having left the country driven by displacement and low salaries.  Sanctions on the country has resulted in major impact on hospital functionality.  

The development of a national hospital sector strategy is an important step towards addressing the challenges faced by the hospital sector in Syria. To address these gaps the Ministry of Health has requested the WHO’s technical support to develop the hospital sector strategy. EMRO has committed to support the country in developing and implementing the national hospital sector strategy, aligned with national health strategy 2024-2028 stressing on UHC and quality health care and existing national strategies, including the national PHC strategy, in the context of the regional framework for action for the hospital sector. 

International consultant with required expertise will be recruited to support the development of the strategy and the TORs with timeframe and expected deliverables (outputs) are described below.

3.       Work to be performed.

Objective: To develop the national hospital sector strategy in Syria along with the implementation plan with a focus on prioritized entry points.

Output 1: Conduct a desk review, draft the methodology, formulate the team, and develop the hospital sector development roadmap led by the Ministry of Health with WHO.

Output 2: conduct a mission(s) to the country to gather data, do hospital visits and conduct a two-day workshop introducing the regional framework for action for hospital sector highlighting the role of hospitals in health systems and conduct the preliminary prioritization exercise at the national and facility levels and submit a mission report covering all above-mentioned activities. 

Output 3: Develop the hospital sector strategy (road map), aligned with national health strategy 2024-2028 stressing on UHC and quality health care and informed by existing national strategies, including the national PHC strategy, through a fully participatory approach with adequate involvement of all stakeholders throughout the process.

Output 4: Conduct a national validation workshop/conference for all health sector and hospitals stakeholders and donor community to present the strategy, collect feedback and valid recommendations, reach consensus on selected strategic interventions as entry points, and finalize and submit the hospital sector strategy for Ministerial approval and implementation. 

Output 5: Develop an implementation plan of the national hospital sector strategy with a focus on prioritized entry points including M&E framework. 

Output 6: Finally, submit a full report (in English and Arabic)

4.       Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date:  November 2024                                                         

End date:    April 2025

Total duration: 60 days over a period of 6 months

5.       Specific requirements

- Qualifications required: At least a master’s degree in health services management or hospital management, public health, or any relevant field.

- Experience required:

·         At least 7 years of professional experience in health (hospital) management or related field with experience in conducting similar activities related to strategic planning.

·         Previous experience in liaising with Ministry of Health and governmental, UN and civil society stakeholders is advantageous.

- Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

·         Demonstrate excellent skills in guiding the process of the development of the strategy.

·         Ability to deliver high-quality products in a timely manner.

- Language requirements:

·         Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic

6.       Coordination

WHO will provide the overall guidance to the process in close collaboration with MOH.

7.       Activity Coordination & Reporting

Reporting to the manager and related technical officers 

8.       Place of assignment

Blended modalities (remote and within the country). Travel costs will be covered by WHO.