Public-private partnerships in the provision of homeopathic services in the city of Delhi, India

摘要

Homeopathy is one among the popular medical systems in India. Over the years, the government has been attempting to mainstream homeopathy in the public health system, nevertheless, most service providers are in the private sector. Therefore, increase of quality and availability to all population classes by means of public-private partnerships is seen as a viable policy option. In Delhi, 90% of homeopathic services providers belong to the private sector, including charity trusts. Most of them provide services to the low-income population in urban slams. In 2003, Delhi government launched a program involving the private sector to provide homeopathic services in underserved city areas. This project funded private agencies to run homeopathic clinics. This paper provides an overview on this program, addressing in particular the lessons taught by six case studies represented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It also discusses expectations of private providers and concludes with specific recommendations for wider participation of the private sector.