Rapid assessment of demand-side financing experiences in Bangladesh

Towards the attainment of maternal health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) Government of Bangladesh under the Health Nutrition and Population Sector Programme (HNPSP) embarked on piloting a demand-side financing (DSF) scheme in 33 upazilas during 2005-2007. Some upazilas offered universal coverage and others used means-testing to target the poor. A rapid assessment was undertaken in March 2008 of three upazilas using quantitative and qualitative methods including in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions. The assessment showed the operation of the DSF scheme the number of beneficiaries served and the impressions of the voucher scheme from various key stakeholders. The findings indicated an increase in institutional delivery. Concerns…