National Development Strategy for Health Management Information Systems in China (HMIS) 1. Objectives: The proposed grant aims to assist in the development of ChinaÂ¡Â¯s national integrated HMIS system through evidence-based strategic planning in the context of an unprecedented national health system reform which has identified the development of HMIS as one of the strategic priorities for its 12th five year development plan(from 2011-2015). 2. Background As health care services become increasingly complex and sophisticated, accompanied by increasing diverse and customized demand for health services by the general public, a robust and result-based HMIS becomes critical in enabling a well-functioned and effective health system. Considerable resources and efforts have been devoted to the development of HMIS system in China in the past years, but China still remains in early stage of health related IT application with significant disparity and fragmentation among different regions, different schemes and health institutions. HMIS in China is lagging and is characterized as 1) fragmented by different sectors, different schemes and different localities; 2) very little coordination and information sharing among each other; 3) lack of national standards and legislation. To establish a unified and high efficient MIS system is absolutely critical and imperative for the deepening of the reform for all major areas of health sector.The national health reform master plan announced in Spring 2009 calls for development of unified management and information systems for purposes of purchasing of services, quality assurance, and facility management. The World Bank was approached by MoH for technical and financial assistance in its efforts to establish an integrated and efficient HMIS. The government is very committed to this effort. The proposed grant would be small but will be a critical contribution as it will directly contribute to ChinaÂ¡Â¯s ongoing health reform through assisting in formulation of national strategic plan and design of ChinaÂ¡Â¯s HMIS. 3. Components/activities The proposed components/activities are as the following: Component I: In-depth investigation and diagnostic study of current progress of HMIS development in China with an investment need estimation; A survey will be conducted to understand the current progress and practice of HMIS development in China at sub-national level including system design, financial investment, financing resources, administrative and managerial system, utilization and major development needs and issues. The methodology includes survey, interview, and desk review. The output of this component will be a consolidated diagnostic report of current situation and an analysis report on investment need and forecast. Component II: 2) development of proposal for HMIS development strategies for China based on comparative study of domestic and international successful experiences in this area. The output will be an study report on domestic and international experiences in HMIS development. On the basis of the report, options will be proposed for the development of ChinaÂ¡Â¯s HMIS system 3) Capacity building of decision makers and implementers at national, provincial and local level A series training programs and workshops will be arranged to train the decision makers at the national and provincial level. The expected outcome will be strengthened decision making and project implementing capacity at national and provincial government. 4) Formulation of the Construction Plan of National Level HMIS Platform. Institution and experts in this area will be contracted to develop the plan. The broad consultation with all the stakeholders at different levels will be held after the plan is developed. The outputs of this component will be the construction plan of the national level HMIS platform. 4. Expected Outcomes: The following outcomes are expected to be achieved after the completion of the project 1)  Decision making and project implementing capacity at national and provincial government will be improved 2)  The suggestions and the recommendations generated through the grant project reports will be adopted by the government in making its national plan The proposed grant aims to assist in the development of China's national integrated HMIS system through evidence-based strategic planning in the context of national health system reform.