FAMILY PLANNING IN THE
PRIVATE HEALTH SECTOR
Uganda’s Case
Presentation Outline

Background to the private health sector

Contribution of the private sector in FP

Good practices in the private sector

Challenges

Recommendations
Background

The private Health sector in Uganda comprises the private health delivery
system and consists of;



PNFP
PFP
TCMP; and the communities.

The private health sector started mainly as FBOs as early as 1897 when
Mengo hospital was opened.

Documented FP activities began in 1957 under FPAU(now RHU) arrangement

In 1986: Owor commission recommended reactivation of Public-Private
partnership

The National Policy on Public Private Partnership in Health has been drafted
and contains components addressing partnership with the PNFP and PHP
Private sector contribution


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65% of Ugandans of reproductive age access FP services from
the private sector. This has shown a positive increase from
53% in 1995.
The private sector through the JMS supports government
efforts in procurement and delivery of FP equipment.
Out of 5,500 health facilities in the country, 49% are PFP and
13% PNFP
Private sector FP model
Commodity security and distribution
FP commodity sourcing
from NMS, product facility
& other sources
FP commodity
distribution through the
PFP & PNFP networks
Service provision
Identify consumer
needs/preferences
Create demand and
Influence behaviour change
(BCC)
Family planning Consumer
Enhancement of FP
Knowledge through;
training, raising awareness
FP service provision at
PFP and PNFP outlets
FP Good Practices


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Increased access to FP
services through the growth
of the private health sector.
Developed an efficient and
sustainable FP distribution
network to serve the very
rural areas
An establishment of the
product facility that ensures
FP commodity security
Delivery of FP commodities by SSEs to deep rural using
bicycles
FP Good Practices (Cont:)


FP services Delivery has increased at
the work place (40% of commercial
companies offer FP services to their
employees, up from 5% 10 years ago).
Creation & certification of strong FP
community mobilization teams
including POLS, peer educators
A provider from the company clinic orienting
Female & male employees on modern natural
Family planning –Moon Beads
A team of POLS that mobilise the communities for FP services
FP Good Practices (Cont)

Extension of support to the
private health providers through
training, accreditation and
supervision. This has promoted
service quality
FP private providers on a training on
how to insert an implant

Creation of a network of
accredited private FP clinics
(Good life clinics, Profarm Clinics,
Yellow star clinics). This has
increased accessibility, quality
and utilization of FP services
FP Good Practices


Introduction and promotion
of the broad range of the FP
methods inclusive of long
term and permanent
methods. This has increased
FP uptake
Partners can now openly
advertise FP products on
mass media. This has raised
awareness and reduced
stigma.
Challenges

Access to FP commodities through NMS is still a big
problem

In very rural areas, FP programs are still perceived as
public sector business- Clients expect free services

Due to poor regulation & Supervision, adherence to
Quality and standards of service provision is low in PFP
sector.

Cost of FP services in the PFP is still high to most
Ugandan families

Funding for FP is highly dependant on donor funds
Recommendations


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There is need to strengthen the Private health sector in
the provision of FP services on order to:
 reach grass-root areas (widen service coverage)
 ensure commodity security and provide alternatives
that could contribute to budget cuts (cost recoverable
system).
Workplace is a good avenue to promote FP services.
Employers should be encouraged to provide FP services
to staff.
Need to have more accredited FP private health facilities
in under-served communities.
FP partners in the private sector
To live a Good Life……