.
Why did IFC do this report, what was the goal, and where is it available?
What are the key findings?
How is IFC responding to the findings? What are the main elements of IFC’s strategy?
Why is IFC involved in health care? Isn’t that what governments do?
Does the report advocate privatizing health care systems in Africa? Does IFC advocate that?
Many in the public health community oppose private sector involvement in health. What is IFC's view?
What will prevent medical professionals in public sector hospitals from leaving for better-paying jobs in the private sector?
Doesn’t Africa’s private health sector mainly serve the rich?
Do private sector clinics and hospitals offer free or subsidized services for Africa’s poor?
There is a wide array of private sector providers – ranging from not-for-profit social enterprises, to nonprofits, to for-profit entities. Each type of provider serves the poor in different ways.
- Not-for-profit providers typically charge either full market rates or subsidized rates and offer some services for free, depending on ability to pay. Overall, however, the services they offer are subsidized in the sense that the owners are not seeking a commercial return on their investment.
- Nonprofit providers, including NGOs and faith-based organizations, are often fully funded by donors and are able to offer health-related goods and services free of charge.
- For-profit providers also often cross-subsidize so their services can reach poorer people, and they often provide free services to the very poorest.
- It should be noted that medical services in public hospitals are not, in fact, provided free of charge. Patients (including the poorest) often need to pay for medicines, X-rays, and second opinions. They are typically expected to bring their own disposable medical goods (such as gloves and syringes), and in some situations, they pay a commission to receive treatment.
- The report urges that donors and governments consider using private providers and risk-pooling programs to reach the poor.
What is IFC’s view on user fees in health care?
Is collaborating with foundations a new trend for IFC? How is the Gates Foundation involved in this report?
Who is your target audience? What kind of partners are you looking for?
What organizations do you expect will participate in the equity vehicle?
What kinds of opportunities do you see for investors?
What kind of investors do you think will be needed to grow the region’s private health sector?
Why do life sciences matter in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Is Africa’s investment climate good for business?
How did you collaborate with the World Bank and NGOs on this report?
How will you publicize the report and IFC's response? How will you ensure that the report is seen by target audiences?
Who was responsible for preparing the report? What subsectors does it cover? What countries are covered?
Who should investors and other stakeholders contact to receive more information?
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