Private sector role in eye care services in Africa

Presenter: Keerti Pradhan, Aravind Eye Care System

Abstract

Purpose: To pilot and see the acceptance and feasibility of involving private sector providers in eye care

Method: A business house who is into pharmaceutical business in D R Congo was encouraged to start an eye hospital in Lubumbashi based on the huge need and potential to serve in eye care

The model of setting up of the eye hospital was based on a tri-partner support. An International Agency facilitating the Process (Right to Sight), Private Business house setting up the eye hospital (Shalina Eye Clinic) and an expert agency to support the capacity building and technology (Aravind Eye Care System)

In this model it was envisaged that each partner will bring in their core competencies to develop this model.

The human resources were identified from Lubumbashi and were trained in Aravind Eye Care System in India.

Results: The eye clinic is up and running. In four months time the patient load in OPD has gone up to 200 per day and the surgical load is around 400 per month.

Conclusion: Government alone cannot fulfil the need and demand of healthcare in Africa. It has to be complemented and supplemented by private sector. This experiment shows a clear indication of private sector role in healthcare in Africa.