Effects Of Public-Private Partnerships In Strengthening Health Systems In Faith-Based Health Services In Kisii County

Abstract

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are important in enhancement of efficiency and effectiveness in different agencies. This is a concept that has been borrowed and applied in various sectors. It is noted that within governments, ministries of health concentrates on the public sector often overlooking the enormous private sector provision of health care. This study assessed implementation of PPPs as a strategy for strengthening health systems in Faith-Based Organization (FBO) in Kisii County, especially in the context of key public health services (HIV/AIDS, maternal, neonatal and child health). This study was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine influence of PPPs in leadership and management on health systems strengthening (HSS), to determine the influence of PPPs in material sharing on HSS, to examine influence of PPPs in human resources for health (HRH) on HSS, and to examine the influence of processes guiding the PPP on HSS. To realize these goals, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted targeting 78 FBO facilities’ Officials from Tabaka, Christianmarian and Nyanchwa hospitals; and Officials from the County Ministry of Health. Data was gathered using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Collected data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Ms Excel. Analysed data is presented using tables, bars and charts. The study found the relationship between leadership and management support and HSS had a Pearson’s Chi-square (X2) =25.316, P<0.05. On material support, the study found the relationship between material support and HSS had a Pearson’s Chi-square (X2) =77.3 P<0.05. Concerning HRH, the study found the relationship between HRH enhancement and HSS had a Pearson’s Chi-square (X2) =72.00 P<0.05. Finally, the study found the relationship between processes guiding PPP implementation and HSS had a Pearson’s Chi-square (X2) =57.037 P<0.05. After fitting the data on the regression model, the study found enhancement of PPP implementation process as the most critical factor in enhancement of HSS. The study concludes that PPPs targeting material support, leadership and management, provision of guidelines to guide the PPP process, and HRH strengthened health systems in support of provision of quality public health services in FBO facilities. From the viewpoint of Kisii County Government, FBO facilities are able to effectively complement the work of government in the provision of public health services and should be supported through the PPP. The respondents from the FBO facilities also appreciated the government’s inputs and support in the provision of public health services that the community is not keen to pay for within their facilities. Implementation of this kind of PPP may compliment one of the big 4 agendas of the government of Kenya, that is Universal Health Coverage. The study recommends government and private sector actors to keep on improving and reviewing terms of engagements and processes to further improve and sustain the momentum of this PPP. The study also recommends the government to extend scope in provision of infrastructure and financing to the FBO facilities to partner in the provision of necessary public health interventions such as HIV/AIDS; maternal, neonatal and child health services amongst others.