Sustainability in healthcare delivery for tanzania public hospitals through public-private partnership (PPP): the case of Muhimbili National Hospital

This study explored the sustainability of healthcare delivery for Tanzania public hospitals, through public-private partnership (PPP). Specifically, this study examined the impact of types of partnerships, areas for partnership and the influence of engagement process of PPP on healthcare delivery. This study used descriptive and analytical research methods where quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The study was carried out in Dar es Salaam city and involved employees and management teams for both public and private healthcare sectors that became the sampling frame for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in analysing quantitative data, whereas mean and standard deviations for the variables under study were computed. The findings of this study show that, when public sector retains regulatory and financial roles and partially shares health service provision with private entities, the quality for public hospitals healthcare delivery will be improved, accessible consistently and sustainable. Furthermore, the study found out that when the partnership involves laboratory services, radiological services, billing services, medical supplies and consumables, technical and facility maintenance the quality of healthcare would significantly be improved and sustainable. Moreover, it was also found out that when engagement process provides an opportunity for the private sector to be involved, it will have a long-lasting relationship for the boarded project. For the provision of quality sustainable healthcare services, the study recommend for the public sector to retain regulatory roles and partner with private health sector on financial and services provision in areas such as laboratory services, radiological services, billing services, medical supplies and consumables, technical and facility maintenance.