Assignment Report: Assessment of the private health sector in Somaliland, Puntland and South Central

Abstract

This report is an exploratory piece of work which aims to contribute to the design of DFID Somalia’s post-2016 health programming through achieving a deeper understanding of the role and current dynamics of the private sector in the health sector in Somalia and developing recommendations for private sector engagement. Health was one of four pillars in the DFID Somalia Operational Plan 2011-2015. The private sector is the dominant provider of health care services in Somalia, but it is largely unregulated and there have been high levels of growth, raising concerns as to value for money and quality. The report provides background information and context, then details the findings of the assessment in terms of: defining private health care providers; networks and associations; public-private partnerships (PPPs); procurement, supply and distribution; policy and regulatory mechanisms; other formal rules governing the private sector; and health- seeking behaviour. It concludes with a discussion of challenges and recommendations. The report recommends four key intervention objectives: Increase reliable information on the dynamics of the private health care market. Limit harmful practices and improve the quality of service provision in the private health care market. Strengthen the regulatory framework and its enforcement. Develop cooperation between public and private health care providers. The report expands upon how these intervention objectives can be achieved through targeted interventions geared towards policy-makers, providers, patients and the donor community