Decentralisation accountability and SRH services: Lessons from Philippines.

This case study in the Philippines explores the potential and limitations of one model of decentralisation - devolution of powers to local bodies - in strengthening accountability to communities with regards to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The Philippines government embarked on devolution of health and social services after the passing of the Local Government Code of 1991. As part of the devolution in health services 95 per cent of its facilities 60 per cent of its personnel and 45 per cent of the budget was transferred from the Department of Health to local government units (LGUs) at provincial city and municipality levels. To oversee the functioning of health services in decentralised units local health boards were set up in each unit comprising the Governor or Mayor as its chairperson Municipal Health Officer as vice chairperson the local councillor for health a representative of the Department of Health and a representative of a health NGO. (excerpt)