Topic Guide: Corruption in Health Services

Transparency in the health sector can be supported by information management systems and access to information mechanisms for both regulatory agencies as well as by the public.  

Integrated management systems aim to store a wide range of health-related data within a centralised and coordinated system of data management. This can include data related to beneficiary, health facilities and practitioners, the flow and management of funds, the financial status of the different entities of the system, the costs and quality of health services delivered, contract management with health insurers and health providers, and the prices and quality control of drugs.  

Integrated management systems allow oversight and regulatory institutions to analyse large quantities of data to assess the effectiveness of doctors and services, the prescription rates of certain medicines, and the effectiveness of procured drugs and equipment, among others. These systems, though costly (in both resources and time) to implement, allow for fast diagnoses of problems and can prove effective in identifying issues with medical professionals and input suppliers.[1] Leveraging ICT for managing health resources through the development and implementation of a comprehensive health management information system can be an important tool to detect and address areas of vulnerability. A pre-requisite is to ensure a good and accountable management of data, especially sensitive information and big data on patients that may, in cases of misconduct, be misused by private entities for marketing purposes.