(DP 1979-19) Optimal Resource Allocation: An Application to the Philippine Family Planning Program

Abstract

A dynamic linear programming model has been devised for a family planning program offering five contraceptive methods. It can be used to test the consistency of family planning program plans and to select future goals consistent with projected resources together with the optimal strategy for accomplishing those goals. Applied to the Philippine family planning program, it shows that a reduction in proposed budget estimates for the years 1978-1982 is possible while achieving crude birth rates lower than the targets. This is accomplished by stressing the use of IUDs together with a limited number of sterilization.