Addressing corruption in the health sector: securing equitable access to health care for everyone

Corruption in the health sector can be a matter of life and death, especially for poor people in developing countries. This paper shows that corruption in the health sector can have severe consequences for access, quality, equity and effectiveness of health care services.

The paper illustrates that:

• different types of corrupt practices can be identified by reviewing the processes of the healthcare delivery system
• opportunities for corruption are greater in situations where the government agent has monopoly powers, or where accountability is weak
• individual beliefs, attitudes and social value systems provide the basis for how those engaged in corrupt practices justify their behaviour

The author argues that it is possible to confront corruption by changing the conditions that allow it to happen and support it. In this respect, efforts to tackle corruption need to translate the main principles of good governance into actions. Furthermore, the document concludes that:

• the development of new national health plans is an ideal opportunity for integrating governance strengthening and anti-corruption strategies into the sector
• alternatively, a health sector integrity strategy can be developed to complement and strengthen the governance of existing health sector plans
• corruption risks should be addressed in the financial management system of the health sector; this requires a combination of measures and cross-governmental collaboration
• performance indicators on corruption in the health sector should be integrated into national development strategies and monitoring frameworks

The paper highlights that awareness raising, prevention, detection and sanctions should be emphasised to bring about the desired results.