The potential for private sector involvement in primary health care strategies

Background. Discussions on health sector reform in low-income and middle-income countries increasingly focus on the recognition of private-sector health care providers. Aim. A review of recent literature presents trends of private stakeholder involvement as well as the potential for private sector participation in health system development and primary health care in these countries. Results. Appropriate incentive structures may encourage private sector investments in health care as well as in service delivery in an efficient way and at reasonable cost - not only for the better-off. The role of government lies with regulation, health politics, and stewardship for health system financing. This approach may constitute an important contribution to achieving the goal of universal access to health care in the 21st century.