Health System Reform in a Middle Eastern Country

A Middle Eastern country recently faced a potential public health crisis. Obesity and a lack of exercise among the young contributed to a diabetes rate of around 15%. The country is further challenged by high health care costs on a per capita basis, significant variation in the quality of care provided across sectors, and large gaps in services. BCG was asked to assess and benchmark performance, develop recommendations, and create a roadmap for change.

To deliver better patient outcomes at the same or lower cost, BCG recommended:

• Increasing preventive care
• Building a better primary-care system
• Improving workforce capabilities
• Enhancing the monitoring of provider quality
• Integrating the health care system through the use of eHealth solutions
• Changing the cost structure and reimbursement system, and manage overutilization and capacity
• Building a Ministry of Health and a governance model aligned with better health care value

BCG is currently collaborating with the country’s Ministry of Health to fashion a mature value-based health care system. The project is working with stakeholders across 60 initiatives and is being implemented over the next five years. Aligning interests of all health care players will enhance quality, safety, and the patient experience.