Common corruption risks in the health sector
Resources are allocated through the public budgeting process. As with any political decision-making procedure, this process offers opportunities for political actors to intervene in patient-related decisions. For example, actors may make decisions that favor political allies rather than making decisions that follow criteria of equity and efficiency.
Evidence on corruption stemming from direct public provision in health systems is largely focused on informal or illegal payments for services. This corruption has a particularly negative impact on the poor, who are disproportionally affected by these payments (see chart Corruption in health- systems perspective) and often can not afford to pay them, which in turn affects access to care.
Other types of corruption within this type of system include:
- Absenteeism (moonlighting)
- Theft of resources
- Kickbacks in procurement of medicines and equipment
- Kickbacks in construction
Chart: Corruption in health- systems perspective
Source: Hussmann (2011b): 7