Private Sector Engagement Strategy (2021–2023)

The strategy aims to structure engagement between the Ministry of Health and the private health sector to achieve common long-term objectives. This collaboration is essential for enhancing access to quality health services, particularly in urban areas where the private sector operates. The private health sector in Liberia has grown significantly over the past few years, with private health facilities representing 37 percent of the national healthcare market. In urban areas, the private sector's representation increases to 80 percent. The level of penetration of the private sector varies greatly by county, with most of the private health sector situated in Montserrado County. This growth presents an opportunity for enhanced access to quality services, particularly in urban areas. The strategy focuses on exploring opportunities for partnership and collaboration within four goals. The first goal is to expand access to and choice of health services. This involves increasing the number of private health facilities and improving the quality of services provided. The second goal is to improve the quality of care provided by the private sector. This includes enhancing the capacity of private health facilities to provide quality services and improving the skills of private healthcare providers. The third goal is to enhance financial protection for individuals and households. This involves exploring opportunities for private health insurance and improving the financial sustainability of private health facilities. The fourth goal is to create an enabling environment for private sector engagement. This includes streamlining regulatory processes, improving the business environment, and enhancing the capacity of private health facilities to participate in public-private partnerships. The strategy was developed through a highly consultative and participatory process involving various organizations and private institutions. The development of the strategy was facilitated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Health Policy Plus. The strategy includes areas of collaboration identified as those of mutual interest to both sectors, including the expansion of access to health services, improvement of quality of care, and enhancement of financial protection. The private sector engagement strategy is designed to provide a framework for the allocation, monitoring, and accountability of resources. It is expected to guide and strengthen coordination and collaboration in the health sector, and provide opportunities for health system strengthening and quality improvement in the private sector. The strategy is one of the many strategic documents developed by the Ministry of Health and partners as part of its effort to provide strategic direction for advancing effective management with the private sector. The strategy has been endorsed by the Ministry of Health and is expected to be implemented over the next three years. The implementation of the strategy will require the commitment of all stakeholders, including development partners, civil society organizations, and private sector actors. The success of the strategy will depend on the effective implementation of its goals and objectives, and the creation of an enabling environment for private sector engagement.