Health Systems and Policy Analysis

Course Information

Dates: 16 January – 17 April 2026, every Friday

Time: 2.00pm – 5.00pm (SGT)

Venue: MD1 Tahir Foundation Building, National University of Singapore

SSG Course Code: TGS-2024041984

Overview

Health Systems and Policy seeks to understand and improve how societies globally organize themselves in achieving collective health goals, and how different actors interact in the policy and implementation processes to contribute to policy outcomes. This course will introduce what health systems and policy are—their key components, concepts, and functions; how to apply theories, frameworks, and analytical approaches to examine and strengthen health systems and inform policy decisions; and why they are essential to advancing public health goals such as equity, efficiency, and resilience. Drawing on case studies and comparative examples, particularly from Asia, the course bridges theory and practice to equip students with the skills to analyze complex systems and support evidence-informed policy development.

Course Objectives

At the end of this of course, students will:

  1. Describe key concepts, theories, frameworks, approaches, and methodologies used in health systems and policy analysis.
  2. Apply these approaches to examine health systems and policy and develop strategies for health systems strengthening.
  3. Analyze and compare health systems and policy challenges across countries, particularly in Asia, and draw lessons from global experiences.
  4. Demonstrate research competence and ability to interpret various types of data, including the translation of knowledge into policy development.
  5. Develop a case study of a health policy and system issue in a selected country.
  6. Explain the relevance of health systems and policy to public health science and practice.
  7. Understand current issues and debates in health systems and policy in Asia and globally.

Who Should Attend?

Professionals in the health industry.

Entry Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Relevant public health related work experience
  • Prior knowledge of biostatistics and epidemiology is required
  • Candidates with other qualifications and experience may be considered on a case by case basis, subject to approval

Assessment & Certification

This is a SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) approved course. As part of SSG funding requirements, participants have to achieve at least 75% attendance and pass all assessment(s)/examination(s).

An electronic certificate will be issued to all participants who complete the course:

  • Certificate of Competence – Attain a ‘C’ grade or above and meet a minimum of 75% attendance
  • Certificate of Participation – Attain a grade lower than ‘C’ and meet a minimum of 75% attendance

Course Instructor

LIWANAG Harvy Joy
Senior Research Fellow Liwanag, Harvy Joy

Dr Harvy Joy Liwanag is a global health systems specialist whose research interrogates questions relevant to strengthening health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At national and local levels, he has studied issues of health governance and health workforce development. His publications on the opportunities and limitations of decentralizing the health system in the Philippines have been cited as a reference for understanding the impact of decentralization in other LMICs. As a strong believer in the role of research in addressing public health challenges, he collaborates closely with government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations in Asia, such as in the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, and Indonesia. He has worked with the Department (Ministry) of Health (DOH) in the Philippines to develop the country’s national health workforce master plan for 2020-2040 and to initiate the Philippine Network for Health Policy and Systems Research (PN4HPSR) in 2024. At the global level, he interrogates questions about the need to transform global health in ways that help advance conceptual clarity and improve practice. For example, his analysis of accountability and reflexivity in global health have been used in discussions to promote equity and shift power in the global health system.

View his full profile here.

Course Fee

Subsidy available Fee payable after subsidy*
International Participant – S$5886.00
Singapore Citizen aged 39 years & below / Permanent Resident SSG Funding S$1765.80
Singapore Citizen aged 40 years & above SSG Funding & Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy S$685.80
Singapore Citizen / Permanent Resident Sponsored by SMEs SSG Funding & Enhanced Training Support for SMEs S$685.80

Remarks:

  • All enrolled candidates will also be required to pay a Student Services Fee of S$25.70*.
  • Self-Sponsored participants can use their SkillsFuture Credits to pay for or offset course fees. SkillsFuture Credit claim has to be submitted to SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) within 60 days before course commencement. SSG will not allow claims to be made after the first day of the course.
  • The University reserves the right to review and adjust the course fees and make changes to the programme structure and requirements as necessary and accordingly without prior notice.

*Prices stated above are inclusive of 9% GST. 

Application

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