The use of Public-Private Partnerships in Health Supply Chain Management in Rwanda

Abstract

Background The Government of Rwanda considers the private sector to play an important role in supporting provision of strategic national investments through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Objective This study aims to describe the various aspects of PPPs in Health Supply Chain Management (HSCM) in Rwanda. Methods A questionnaire was used to collect data from health professionals and individuals familiar with HSCM Public-Private Partnerships for this descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study. Results The PPP interventional areas used in HSCM in Rwanda were namely supply of commodities (99%), delivered health Information Technology (IT) supplies and equipment (operate) (53%), finance (52%), and maintenance area (40%). The main challenges were limited conversation and absence of formal platforms for public and private engagement (83.7%) and complex procurement requirements for medical products and equipment by public institutions (73.3%). The strategies to improve the PPPs in HSCM were effective coordination of PPPs (93.3%) and improved dialogue and formal platforms (90.6%) Conclusion These findings indicated that private sector through PPPs plays an important role in HSCM in Rwanda. The engagement of the private sector can increase the financial support in terms of financing HSCM activities like supply of health commodities and equipment.