Deadline: 8-Jan-23
The Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research is seeking bids for a research consortium to conduct health policy and systems research to help improve the understanding of how primary health care (PHC) reforms contribute to universal health coverage (UHC).
This initiative is a partnership between the Finance for Health Policy and Systems Research an international partnership based at World Health Organization headquarters and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This call is focused on India, and consortium bids must be led by an Indian (government or public sector) research organization.
This call for proposals is for a consortium of research organizations In India to conduct health policy and systems research linked to existing PHC system reforms in India. India, with its long-standing and large-scale efforts to invest in and evolve PHC systems and work towards UHC goals, represents a potential exemplar for the explication of the pathways. There are several existing PHC reforms currently being implemented in different settings in India, which present Important opportunities to generate learning from these experiences, and to influence local and country-level policies to improve those interventions and apply their lessons more broadly.
Objectives
The objectives of this programme are to:
- Support the generation of coherent health policy and systems research knowledge on how existing PHC reforms are contributing to UHC In diverse health systems settings In India;
- Stimulate learning and action on the role of PHC reforms in achieving UHC among policy- and decision-makers at local and country level and
- Disseminate the knowledge broadly, with the purpose of informing PHC for UHC strategies In different contexts globally
Scope of the Research
The research undertaken by the consortium will investigate the following areas of enquiry and the interconnectivities between them:
- Specific existing PHC reforms in at least two states in India
- Change pathways (mechanisms of change within health systems governance apparatus or social structures, that link PHC reforms to progress towards UHC)
- Enabling factors and barriers
- Progress towards UHC
Funding Information
- The maximum amount of money available from the Alliance will be US$750 000. No further funding will be provided by the Alliance within and beyond the project period.
- At least 66% of the total bid should be reserved for implementation of the research studies in (at least) two states in India. The activities will be implemented from 2023-2026 and the end date shall not exceed 30 June 2026.
Outcomes
Specifically, the research will:
- Apply appropriate interdisciplinary approaches to answer a rich set of HPSR questions to Investigate the mechanisms of the influence of PHC reforms on UHC, and their effects on UHC;
- Propose and apply an initial theory of change or conceptual framework for the link between PHC reforms and progress towards UHC, and refine the framework based on the research undertaken and in consultation with stakeholders
- Use standardized tools to Investigate a range of health system factors that influence variations in UHC coverage levels across settings, with a focus on the strength of PHC systems
- Be informed by the perspectives of diverse stakeholders (health care providers, users, communities, managers, policy-makers).
Specific Tasks of the Consortium
- Define a focused and ambitious set of HPSR research questions to be addressed through research on existing PHC reforms in at least two states in India.
- Develop research protocols to answer these research questions in a rigorous and timely manner. Manage and monitor financial allocations for in-country partner activities and research.
- Undertake ethical review and obtain approvals prior to undertaking research studies.
- Manage and monitor the implementation of research studies ensuring high quality and timely deliverables.
- Complete dissemination activities including:
- At least one synthesis workshop focused on the utilization of findings.
- Present findings at a global conference (such as the global health systems research symposium) to share lessons with other countries.
- Deliver key outputs and deliverables including:
- A synthesis report on pathways to UHC through PHC reforms, including the identification of solutions, good practices, barriers, and enablers to implementing those practices
- Stakeholder-Informed roadmaps identifying pathways for achieving UHC through PHC reforms
- Peer-reviewed publication(s) or a special supplement in a reputable Journal.
Selection Criteria
- The following selection criteria will apply for applicant teams:
- The consortium will be led by an Indian (government or public sector) research organization as technical support centre in a coordinating role, to oversee, commission, monitor and synthesize the research studies, undertake liasion with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and local-level decision-makers, and ensure uptake into local policies
- Inclusion within the consortium of:
- Linked research organizations with specific technical expertise or geographical focus, engaged in undertaking the research
- Linked civil society organizations with in-depth knowledge and active collaborations with vulnerable communities and/or a distinct geographical focus.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality interdisciplinary health policy and systems research (HPSR).
- Direct links and history of engagement with state/ district policy-makers
- Demonstrated ability to obtain feedback and perspectives of diverse stakeholders (health care providers, users, communities, managers, policy-makers)
- Demonstrated ability to utilize standardized tools to investigate a range of health system factors.
- The selection committee will also consider how the proposal responds to the following factors:
- Value for money
- Monitoring of the plan of work
For more information, visit Alliance for Health Policy.