Health Care Law at Kiribati
Kiribati's healthcare system is primarily governed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), which operates under the guidance of national health policies and strategic plans. Here's an overview of the key aspects of healthcare law and policy in Kiribati:
🏛️ Legal and Policy Framework
Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS): The MHMS is responsible for delivering accessible, efficient, and effective health services to the people of Kiribati. Its operations are guided by the Primary Health Care approach, focusing on both preventive and curative health services. (About - Ministry of Health & Medical Services)
National Health Strategic Plan 2020–2023: This plan outlines the vision of "A Healthy Population Supported by Accessible, Equitable, and Quality Health Care Services." It prioritizes non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and health system improvements, including governance and regulation. The plan focuses on six Key Priority Areas (KPAs), with 34 focus areas and 131 priority actions aligned with over 100 indicators. (Kiribati: National Health Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023 - P4H Network)
🏥 Healthcare Delivery and Services
Primary Health Care: The MHMS emphasizes the Primary Health Care approach, aiming to provide comprehensive, community-based services that are accessible and responsive to the health needs of the population. (About - Ministry of Health & Medical Services)
Referral and Caretaker Policy (2011): This policy sets out a standard referral process between healthcare facilities and islands, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care at the right level of the health system. ([PDF] Kiribati - Ministry of Finance and Economic Development)
⚖️ Legal Instruments and Regulations
Health Sector Legislation: The MHMS works to implement and enforce health laws and regulations, aiming to improve leadership and governance of the health sector and facilitate effective partnerships. ([PDF] Kiribati - IRIS)
Food Safety Act and Regulations: In June 2024, the Kiribati Government, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), facilitated multisectoral consultations to review the country's existing Food Safety Act and Regulations. The review aimed to identify areas in need of amendment to strengthen food safety legislation and enable stronger implementation of regulations. (WHO supports Kiribati to employ a One Health approach to ...)
📚 Strategic Planning and Development
Health Needs Assessment: The Kiribati Health Strategic Plan is informed by a Health Needs Assessment, which examines the health needs of the I-Kiribati population and the ability of the health system to respond to these needs. ([PDF] Ministry of Health and Medical Services - FAOLEX)
Multisectoral Collaboration: The MHMS collaborates with various sectors and stakeholders to implement health policies and programs effectively. This includes working with development partners, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to achieve health objectives. (About - Ministry of Health & Medical Services, [PDF] National Health Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023 - P4H Network)
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