Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2009

Blind Optimism: Challenging the myths about private health care in poor countries

February 2009

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

The realisation of the right to health for millions of people in poor countries depends upon a massive increase in health services to achieve universal and equitable access. A growing number of international donors are promoting an expansion of private-sector health-care delivery to fulfil this goal. The private sector can play a role in health care.