Public-Private Partnerships and Improved Health Service Delivery: Insights from Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The paper examines the role Public-Private Partnerships (PPP’s) in enhancing public health service delivery in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative research design in describing, explaining, and examining the role of PPP sat Mutare Provincial Hospital. The research used various data collection methods which included key informant interviews,in-depth interviews and documentary search. Thematic and Content analysis was used to analyze the data collected using purposive sampling technique. The researcher was guided by a hypothesis which states that PPPs promote sound health service delivery in Zimbabwe. The findings of the study revealed that PPPs is an effective mechanism towards improved health service delivery in the public sector. However there a number of challenges being faced by public hospitals in promoting PPPsto ensure an efficient and effective health service delivery at public hospitals these includes: failure to separate politics and administration, lack of political will, and lack of co-ordination in some instances and lastly possible recommendations for improved health service delivery through PPPs through raising awareness on the value of PPPs, funding the health sector to be eligible to partner with other players to promote health service delivery and the need to embrace media to support and promote PPPs within the health sector. The research as established that PPPs promote sound health service delivery in Zimbabwe.