Specialist - Primary Health Care (PHC) Framework and Transition

Job Highlight This assignment aims to establish clear functional boundaries for PHC delivery to transition from fragmented, project-based systems to a sustainable, institutionalized model within the national health structure. Role Purpose The consultant will develop an integrated Primary Health Care (PHC) Boundary Framework and Urban PHC Transition Model that define and institutionalize the PHC service package across Bangladesh. The framework will ensure a standardized package of essential services, medicines, diagnostics, and a skilled workforce embedded within existing rural and urban facility tiers.This assignment aims to establish clear functional boundaries for PHC delivery to transition from fragmented, project-based systems to a sustainable, institutionalized model within the national health structure.Objectives of the AssignmentReview and map existing PHC service packages, delivery mechanisms, and integration points in both rural and urban contexts.Define the PHC boundary encompassing essential promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services suitable for existing facility tiers (community clinics, union sub-centres, upazila health complexes, and urban primary health centers).Develop a list of essential medicines, diagnostics, and supplies required for the PHC package.Recommend an appropriate mix and distribution of multidisciplinary health workers for PHC delivery.Align the PHC boundary with existing delivery platforms, referral systems, and national standards.Propose implementation and monitoring mechanisms for sustaining the PHC boundary within health sector reform initiatives. Functions / Key Results Expected The consultant/team will address the entire PHC continuum across rural and urban contexts, covering public, NGO, and private providers.Situational Review and MappingConduct literature and policy reviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.Map PHC facilities and workforce across rural and urban areas.Identify overlaps, fragmentation, and integration gaps between DGHS, DGFP, and LGD-managed facilities.Analyze best practices from comparable low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Drafting of PHC Boundary FrameworkDefine PHC service packages by level of care (rural and urban) encompassing promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services.Develop service delivery standards including staffing structure, skills mix, essential medicines, diagnostics, and equipment norms.Ensure inclusion of MNCAH, NCDs, mental health, and health promotion interventions.Integrate gender, equity, and community engagement dimensions.Integration within Existing Facility NetworkMap public and NGO-managed facilities to align PHC package with service capacity and infrastructure.Recommend adaptation measures for union and urban primary health centers to deliver standardized PHC packages.Referral and Coordination SystemsDesign structured referral and back-referral pathways between PHC, secondary, and tertiary levels.Integrate ICT-based referral tracking and patient follow-up systems with unique health IDs.Stakeholder Consultation and ValidationConduct consultations with MoHFW divisions, LGD, City Corporations, NGOs, and development partners.Incorporate technical and policy feedback through workshops and validation meetings.Finalization and ReportingPrepare final Integrated PHC Service Package and Urban PHC Transition Framework with operational guidelines.Present findings and recommendations to MoHFW, WHO, and other stakeholders.Expected Deliverables:Sl No.ActivitiesDeliverablesTimeline1Situational Analysis & MappingSituational Review Report – including PHC facility/service mapping, analysis, and gap assessmentDay 1-102Development of PHC Boundary FrameworkDraft PHC Boundary Framework – encompassing essential services, medicines, diagnostics, and team compositionDay 11-203Design of Urban PHC Transition ModelUrban PHC Transition Framework – outlining institutionalization roadmap, governance, and financing structure including PPP mechanismDay 21-284Stakeholder Engagement & ValidationStakeholder Consultation Report – synthesis of inputs and validation findingsDay 29-335Knowledge Sharing & Capacity BuildingTechnical Presentation / Workshop Materials – For MoHFW And WHODay 34-366Finalization & SubmissionFinal PHC Boundary Report – incorporating feedback, recommendations, and implementation roadmapDay 37-40Required Education Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Medicine with Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Systems, Health Policy, or related discipline.DesiredPhD in Public Health, Health Systems, or related field.Required Experience Requirements At least 5 years of professional experience in PHC system design, service package development, or health systems strengthening.DesiredDemonstrated experience in developing PHC service packages and supporting integration within national systems.Strong understanding of Bangladesh’s health system architecture, including urban and rural delivery mechanisms.Experience working with MoHFW, LGD, UN agencies, or development partners.Experience in managing transitions from project-based to institutionalized health delivery systems.Familiarity with WHO PHC frameworks and SDG-related health targets.Strong analytical, facilitation, and technical writing skills.