Population Services International (PSI) has started implementing Strategic Purchasing Pilot Projects in Shwepyithar and Hlegu Townships in Yangon Region.

The pilot project mainly targets poor families for basic healthcare services. This is a part of Universal Health Coverage. It is implemented with the technical assistance by Ministry of Health and Sports, said Dr. Ye Min Htwe, Deputy Director of the Monitoring Team for National Health Project Implementation.

The surveys were conducted in slum wards in the townships. The PSI issues a card to each person. The cardholder is to pay just Ks 500 when he or she come to the clinic. This is a system which provides healthcare  services by lining GPs.

The cardholder is entitled to healthcares services for diarrhea, fever, diabetics, birth spacing, TB and HIV.

Under this system, the PSI provides doctors with  medicines and treatment costs for 3,700 patients which renew the cards for every six months or every one year.

Dr. Ye Zin Oo from Thazinoo Clinic in Shwepyitha Township said: “The UHC mainly aims to give basic healthcare services to the grass-roots. Under the UHC project, there are more than 3,700 cardholders. There are many low-income families in Shwepyithar. They cannot afford to go to the hospitals even clinics when they are not in good health. This system aims to give basic healthcare to them. The project achieves progresses.”

Thailand achieved full population coverage of UHC in 2002. Myanmar has vowed to achieved full population coverage of UHC in 2030.