FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY IN UGANDA A CASE OF LIRA DISTRICT

Abstract

This study assessed factors affecting implementation of public private partnerships in health service delivery in Uganda, A case of Lira District. This recognition originates from the realization that one third of the world population lacks access to essential medicines and health services. The study sought to; i) Establish how institutional framework in public private partnerships affect health service delivery in Lira district.; ii) Find out how institutional characteristics in public private partnerships affect health service delivery in Lira district; iii) Find out how capacity of partners in public private partnerships affect health service delivery in Lira district; and iv) Establish the effects of Government Policies on health service delivery under Public Private Partnership. The study was done using both qualitative and quantitative approaches and data were obtained using a questionnaire, in-depth interview and document review. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and descriptive method especially the qualitative data. Findings revealed that participation, networking and cooperation, institutional uniqueness and government policies are success factors in public private partnership in health service delivery and they contribute to achieving quality health service delivery. As supported by literature, attainment of quality services can be pledged if desired outcomes are defined, measured and improved with diligent loyalty to public private partnerships in health service delivery supported by full participation, networking and cooperation, acclimatization to institutional best-fit and government policies. It is recommended that for quality improvement, stakeholders should; 1) fully participate; 2) finances should be prioritized and; 3) institutions should assimilate M&E into the institutional strategy. Government support in terms of increased funding and supervision of health services is of paramount importance in improving health service delivery under public private partnerships.