Copy of an Article written by Michelle Vanzie, Natasha Hsi, Alix, Beith and Rena Eichler entitled Using Supply-Side Pay for Performance to Strengthen health prevention activities and improve efficiency: The case of Belize.

Excerpt: In 1994, the government of Belize became concerned with improving health service delivery and increasing access to quality care. This led to discussions with the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) about funding to support health sector reform. The Cambridge Consulting Corporation and Resources Management Corporation provided technical assistance to support the development of government policies to improve the quality and allocation of health services. Subsequently, in 1998, the Health and Life Sciences Partnership was hired to further develop the options presented to the government. As a result, the government embarked upon three health system reforms: organizational restructuring of the Ministry of Health (MOH), rationalization and upgrading of health facilities, and financing of health services. The National Health Insurance (NHI) program was established as the primary funder and purchaser of health services. The IADB and Caribbean Development Bank provided technical assistance for NHI design through the Belize Multilateral Investment fund. Key stakeholders in NHI development were the MOH, the Belize Medical and Dental Association, and the Social Security Board (SSB).