Output 3 will support:

(1). Policy development support

This sub-output will support policy and strategy development for comprehensive PHC and continuum of care, especially for vulnerable groups living in plantations with priority given to nutrition and reproductive health. A package of essential health services is being developed by MOHNIM including for NCDs and emergency services. Facility and equipment standards are also being developed. MOHNIM is also developing a national policy for human resources for health. The project will provide selective support in the form of consulting services and workshops for various policy initiatives of MOHNIM. This will include (i) establishment of clusters to explore strategies for strengthening PHC; (ii) personnel workforce planning with a special focus on PHC workforce; (iii) development of policies and guidelines related to the implementation of the essential service package; and (iv) review and development of the reproductive health and gender related guidelines.

(2). Capacity development

This sub-output will support MOHNIM with capacity building and training resources for workshops for nutrition and health promotion, emergency management, cluster planning and management, infection prevention and control, distance learning for GIS. In addition, this sub-output, will provide resources for training for relevant staff in the target provinces to expand knowledge on family health, gender, infection prevention and control, health care waste management, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, counselling. This sub-output will also support the implementing of the gender action plan and environmental and social safeguards, and support training in procurement and financial management. This output will also support the development of a distance learning center at the National Institute of Health Sciences for introducing distance learning training programs in the health sector for PHC level staff.

(3). Project management and results monitoring

The project will also support the operating costs (both fixed and variable) related to central and provincial project management and coordination, operating project management unit (PMU) and the 4 project implementation units (PIUs). In addition, this sub-output will support the conduction of a baseline and an end line survey including case studies and impact evaluations. In addition, this sub-output will support the consultancy firm to carry out design and supervision of civil works assignments identified under the project.