… Dr. Desai says this will trengthen Public-Private Partnerships for Enhanced Healthcare Access and Quality Across Zambia
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 (19-06-2024) — The Healthcare Federation of Zambia (HFZ) has unveiled its strategic plan for 2024 to 2026, aiming to solidify its role in Zambia’s health sector and enhance the healthcare system through collaboration with over 500 private healthcare entities.
The event, officiated by Dr. Christopher Simoonga on behalf of Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, emphasized the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in addressing Zambia’s healthcare challenges, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and cholera outbreaks.
Dr. Simoonga, Permanent Secretary of Administration in Zambia’s Ministry of Health, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering robust public-private partnerships under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.
“This commitment is exemplified through initiatives such as the Public-Private Dialogue Forum and the Presidential Delivery Unit, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and quality,” he explained.
Registered on March 23, 2023, under ORS/102/35/33969, HFZ marks a significant integration of the private sector into Zambia’s healthcare landscape.
The strategic plan underscores HFZ’s commitment to coordinate private health efforts, enhance public-private partnerships, and collaborate for improved national health outcomes.
Dr. Shailen Desai, Chairperson of HFZ, emphasized the plan’s collaborative approach to bolster the private sector’s impact on Zambia’s health outcomes.
He stressed the critical role of strong healthcare systems in national progress and advocated for a mixed-market health model that combines public and private efforts for comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Dr. Desai highlighted the need for unified collaboration with the government and other health stakeholders.
“Supported by USAID’s ZAM-Health project, HFZ aims to unify health sector contributors and promote cohesive engagement,” he added.
The strategic plan, titled “A Unified Private Health Sector for Sustainable and Equitable Health Service Delivery,” aligns with continental health leadership goals and aims to position Zambia as a regional health hub.
Dr. Desai foresees the private sector, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, driving economic growth, job creation, and GDP contribution through enhanced health service delivery.
“A pivotal milestone is the establishment of a private teaching hospital by the University of Lusaka, enhancing Zambia’s private health sector capabilities,” he noted.
“HFZ seeks greater inclusion in government plans to transition healthcare into an economic sector, advocating for strategic partnerships and active participation in policy-making,” Dr. Desai emphasized.
He outlined HFZ’s strategy focusing on membership growth, governance structure implementation, strategic partnerships, advocacy, and resource sustainability.
“The federation aims to play a central role in Zambia’s health system, fostering partnerships and driving positive change in healthcare delivery,” he concluded.
The launch of HFZ’s strategic plan signifies a transformative step for Zambia’s healthcare, envisioning an integrated and economically impactful health sector under Dr. Desai’s leadership.
USAID, a key partner, emphasized its mission to strengthen Zambia’s healthcare infrastructure through policy advocacy and collaborations with the private sector.
Regina Pharham, Deputy Health Office Director of USAID, recognized the impact of the ZAM-Health Program, supporting over 200 private health facilities.
This initiative has significantly enhanced healthcare delivery, providing essential services such as routine immunizations, family planning, antenatal care, and support for safe deliveries.
Looking forward, USAID pledged continued support for HFZ’s strategic plan, aiming to empower the private health sector and advance Zambia’s national health goals.
Christopher Habeenzu, Mayor of Choongwe municipality, highlighted the leadership in healthcare anchored by its private sector University Teaching Hospital.
“The Federation aims to unite stakeholders in private healthcare, including educational institutions, healthcare professionals, hospitals, surgical services, and pharmaceutical providers, to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility nationwide,” he stated.
Zambia’s private health sector has evolved significantly, with increased reliance on private healthcare services and educational institutions playing pivotal roles.
Collaboration with the Zambian government will focus on enhancing healthcare delivery, including initiatives for local drug manufacturing and expanded healthcare services.
Habeenzu expressed gratitude to HFZ, stakeholders, and partners, particularly acknowledging a leading educational institution for its contributions to healthcare education.
A strategic plan guides the Federation’s future activities, aiming to optimize healthcare delivery and innovate to meet Zambia’s healthcare challenges effectively.
“The launch of HFZ’s strategic plan not only signifies a crucial step towards integrated healthcare in Zambia, where public and private sectors collaborate to provide high-quality healthcare services nationwide, but also marks a milestone towards a more integrated and efficient healthcare system in Zambia,” underlined the collaborative efforts of the government and international partners in achieving this vision.