In an effort to expand the access to primary care services, El Salvador has contracted with five NGOs to provide services to public clients in designated areas. While many public-private partnerships for the provision of services have been implemented, they are often less formal and exclusive. In this case, specific contracts for performance were awarded in a competitive process and have been executed with five of the bidders These contracts, implemented through an intermediary NGO have been operating for two years. Original funding was provided with donor support with the expectation that the Ministry of Health will continue this process and assume the responsibility for future funding. The assessment of the experience in terms of outputs, contract conformance, and overall impacts on the region and the institutions was carried out in February 2000 by one of the authors.
This presentation draws on this experience to highlight some of the critical aspects of contracting for services which are reflected in this experience to date. Studies in the Latin America region indicate a general move toward more formal public-private partnerships but little experience in implementing these relationships through standard contracts and contracting procedures with public entities. The presenters explore some of the contractual complexities encountered in El Salvador and their implications for management and sustainability of the contracted organizations. Generalizations applicable to the overall public contracting process will be presented and explored with other panelists and the audience.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will: · Be familiar with the diversity of experience encountered in the El Salvador program · Recognize the links between this international experience and similar developments in the United States
Keywords: Management and Sustainability, Public/Private Partnerships
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Management Sciences for Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment with MSH