The international research consortium RESYST (Resilient & responsive Health Systems) has examined healthcare purchasing functions in some low and middle-income countries to identify factors that influence the ability of healthcare purchasers and other key actors to take strategic actions. The countries included in the study are: Kenya, India, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam.

From a universal health coverage perspective, this research project focus on purchasing of services from healthcare providers. This core function of healthcare financing must be designed and undertaken strategically to promote quality, efficiency, equity and responsiveness in health service provision and, in doing so, purchasing facilitate progress towards universal health coverage.

The research examined the relationships between purchasers and other groups of actors involved in purchasing mechanisms, including the government, healthcare providers and citizens, so as to understand the various components of strategic purchasing and the organizational environment within which it operates.

The study makes some recommendations for improvements to move closer to strategic purchasing. Key findings and a complete list of publications is available on RESIST Consortium website.