The issue of private participation in health services is often a controversial one, although many countries already make use of private services in key ways to further public aims in health care. As this book demonstrates, private participation is not the same as privatization, and it is often, moreover, the most efficient and effective response to addressing gaps in health care services. Drawing on a wide range of country experiences, this book provides a judicious blend of practical advice and useful information. It discusses how to assess the potential for private sector involvement, how to engage in contracting with the private sector for health services, and how to regulate the sector. It also provides advice on what to do when key information is not there: a crucial element of any strategy, especially in developing countries where data and information sources are scarce.
