National quality policy and strategy: driving change for stronger health systems and improved health outcomes

Overview

The WHO Framework on integrated people-centred health services presents a vision in which “all people have access to health services that are provided in a way that responds to their preferences, are coordinated around their needs and are safe, effective, timely, efficient and of acceptable quality.” The proposed action within the WHO Framework places a clear emphasis on policy levers to enhance the quality of health services.

The development, refinement and execution of a national quality policy and strategy (NQPS) is a priority for countries as they look to systematically improve the performance of their health care systems. A national quality policy and strategy is an organized effort by a country to promote and plan for improved quality of care. It will often be outlined in a document, providing an official, explicit statement of the approach and actions required to enhance the quality of health care across a country’s health system. The NQPS needs to be closely linked with the wider national health policy and planning process.