Technical Assistance for the Conduct of Integrated Family Planning and Maternal Health Activities by Philippine Non-Government Organizations (Modified TANGO II Project)

A Model Program of Private Sector Principles Serving the Public Good

JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. (JSI/RTI) administers the TANGO II project, which began in February 1995. The initial approach of TANGO II was to build sustainable NGO-supported family planning programs by strengthening NGO management capacity. Following an in-depth assessment in 1996, TANGO II focused on the development of an alternative private sector model for the provision of family planning and maternal and child care (FP/MCH) services. Thus, in 1997 and in partnership with eight NGOs, the project started the establishment of a network of midwife-owned and operated clinics that provide quality and affordable FP/MCH services in key urban areas and selected municipalities of the country.

The goal of the project is to increase the availability of FP/MCH services in the private sector by significantly expanding the number of midwife-owned clinics providing basic FP/MCH services to the lower-middle income market, thereby unloading public health facilities of clients who can afford to pay.

In the process of meeting this goal, the project introduced significant innovations calculated to help transform the landscape of FP/MCH service delivery. The project assists midwives to become independent owners and operators of fully sustainable FP/MCH facilities. This is done through an NGO-based franchise model. Intrinsic in this model is the rigorous application of business tools and methods.

At the core of the TANGO project is the consistent theme of entrepreneurship, ownership and empowerment as epitomized in a franchise-type service delivery model that combines business and social development concepts. Under this franchise model, TANGO II has three sets of beneficiaries: 1) midwives as franchisees receive clinical and business training and marketing support that enables them to manage a successful clinic business, 2) local NGOs as area franchisors receive management training and are given a key role that helps build their capacity to oversee the delivery of FP/MCH services by their portfolio of clinics, and more importantly, 3) clients receive quality but affordable services at the clinics, thus eliminating their reliance on public sector services.

The midwives who are admitted to the network, are required to meet selection criteria, invest in the renovation or construction of their clinics and cover daily operating costs, while the project provides them with comprehensive clinical and business training, free use of clinic equipment and instruments, marketing and promotional support, access to affordable commodities and supplies, on-site technical assistance and guidance for long-term profitability. Clinic locations are appraised for market feasibility that also considers such factors as population density, disposable income of households, access to various means of transportation, proximity to referral doctors and hospitals, support of the LGUs and receptiveness of the local communities to private FP/MCH services.

As of end of November 2002, there were 206 clinics operating and using the brand name of “Well-Family Midwife Clinic.” Thirty-six (36) more are expected to open before the end of 2002. The Well-Family Midwife Clinics or WFMCs cater to the C and D families who are unable to pay the full costs of most private sector-provided health care services, yet who can afford to pay reasonable fees.

Through these clinics, the role of the midwife has been transformed from ordinary health care provider to an entrepreneur thereby enhancing her confidence, professional status and earning capacity.

Click HERE to go the the JSI Tango II Project website - www.jsitango.com