Challenges Associated with Public-Private Partnerships in the Provision of Maternal Healthcare Services at General Hospitals in Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Abstract:
Most Sub-Saharan
African public health facilities struggle to provide high-quality healthcare
services due to multifaceted factors. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) pool
resources, combines the strengths of public and private sector, and can deliver
superior health services. PPPs in health have achieved successes in malaria
control and polio eradication and the lessons learned are applicable to
maternal healthcare services. However, PPPs can encounter several challenges,
including infrastructure, technology, economic, financial, social acceptance,
legal, political, and manpower challenges. This study assessed the perceived
challenges of PPPs in health among maternal healthcare managers at one
privately managed General Hospital and three publicly managed General Hospitals
in Abuja, Nigeria. Using a qualitative study design, key informant interviews
were conducted with maternal healthcare managers at Garki, Nyanya, Karshi and
Asokoro General Hospitals. Thematic analysis revealed challenges unique to PPP
in health, with themes such as low awareness about PPP concept by providers,
pro-rich orientation and higher costs of care, inconsistent legal and political
supportive framework by government, lower staff remuneration, fewer staff
development opportunities, sub-optimal data exchange with National Health
Management Information System. Additional themes described challenges affecting
publicly and privately managed General hospitals such as high energy costs,
limited bed spaces and inadequate manpower. Other themes also emerged about
benefits of PPP notably improved efficiency, accountability and quality of
care, as well as provision of a tiered pricing mechanism for all client type.
This study recommends full implementation of PPP policy by all partners, as
well as creating more awareness about PPP in health.
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