Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management and Planning · Third Year · HSM 3240
Health Services Planning and Budgeting
Focuses on planning, budgeting, and financial control of health services within constrained resource settings.
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Topic 28Coming soon
Integrated Health Services Planning
Integrated Health Services Planning introduces Zambian tertiary students to the holistic approach of designing and coordinating health services across different levels of care, sectors, and providers to ensure seamless patient journeys and efficient system functioning. This topic moves beyond planning for isolated facilities or programs, focusing instead on creating connected networks of care. It covers concepts such as referral systems, continuity of care, and the integration of preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services. Students will learn about models that bridge the gap between community-based primary healthcare, district hospitals, and specialized tertiary care, as well as integrating public health functions with clinical services. For diploma and degree students in Zambia, where fragmented care can lead to inefficiencies and poor health outcomes, this knowledge is vital. Integrated planning aims to reduce duplication, improve access, and enhance the patient experience. Mastering this topic, as part of the Health Services Planning and Budgeting curriculum, equips future health leaders to design coherent, patient-centred health systems that make the best use of Zambia's available resources and are a key focus of modern health sector reforms and tertiary-level assessment.
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Coming soon
Topic 29Coming soon
Health Services Planning and Budgeting
Health services planning and budgeting involve the systematic process of setting health objectives, determining resource requirements, and allocating funds to achieve desired health outcomes. This topic covers needs assessment, priority setting, strategic planning, operational budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation within the health sector. For Zambian university students in health economics and management, these skills are fundamental for roles in Ministry of Health, district health offices, and hospital administrations. It includes techniques like program budgeting, zero-based budgeting, and results-based financing. Effective planning and budgeting ensure that limited resources are directed to high-impact interventions, supporting Universal Health Coverage goals in Zambia. Mastery enables graduates to contribute to evidence-based policy, efficient resource use, and accountability in public health spending.