The Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) is implementing a Health Sector Reform Programme (APHSRP) which focus on increased utilization of quality health services especially by the poorest people and in the underserved area, by improved access to quality and responsive health services, strengthened governance and management in health sector, improved institutional mechanisms for community participation and systems for accountability; and strengthened financial management systems. These reforms are sought to be implemented under the framework of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the health sector reform program of the central government being implemented in the State. Under a technical assistance contract with DfID[1]., IHS has supported:

• Development of three year action plans for 10 Heads of Departments in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, AP and costed the same

• Decentralized Planning for Health in AP: Development of a framework for district health planning and tribal health planning for Andhra Pradesh including: levels of planning, institutional arrangements, tools for planning, planning process and capacity building requirements based on pilots carried out in three districts of the State

• Monitoring Framework for the AP Health Sector Reform Program:  To facilitate monitoring of the reforms under APHSRP, a set of prioritized goal, purpose and intermediate process indicators corresponding to the log frame of the APHSRP were identified. Further HoD wise indicators were developed to track progress of activities under APHSRP.

• Setting up a Strategic Planning and Innovation Unit: Unit designed to be the leadership centre for the planning and reform process of the health department. Developed and crystallized the key roles, institutional arrangements, staffing, recruitment process, work environment and budget of the SPIU

• Setting up a State Programme Management Unit: Unit designed to provide programme implementation support primarily to the Directorate of Health and Commissionerate of Family Welfare. Developed and crystallized the key roles, institutional arrangements, staffing, recruitment process, work environment and budget of the SPMU.