Primary Care through a Public-Private Partnership

Introduction

The paradox of the Indian healthcare system lies in the startling gap between its world-class medical and technical expertise and its abysmal support systems, outreach, and delivery mechanisms. India's scientific and technical prowess seems inadequate when confronted with disturbing maternal mortality rates and limited healthcare access. Concerned state and central governments, committed public-private partnerships, and technology initiatives are, however, helping to narrow this gap through efficient healthcare delivery systems that focus on comprehensive healthcare services.

This chapter takes a closer look at the collaborative initiative between the state government of Andhra Pradesh and the non-profit organization, the Health Management and Research Institute (HMRI). The aim is to further investigate HMRI’s healthcare delivery model (the “HMRI Model” or the “Model”), the technology solutions incorporated therein, its functions, and the possibility of its large scale implementation. This chapter is not intended to present an assessment of cost-effectiveness or to evaluate the delivery model, but will provide insights into its various components. It presents HMRI’s innovative solutions in harnessing technology and human resources solutions, as well as discusses possible implications, challenges to implementation, and benefits of this particular primary care delivery model.

Since its inception, HMRI has focused on augmenting public health delivery systems with the use of information and communication technologies and supporting the public health system to improve the access and quality of services to vulnerable sections of the society. The aim of the organization is to expand the reach of out-patient care to a larger population by providing three times the primary care services at ten per cent of the costs of the government provided services. While technology is not the sole solution to the delivery of quality primary care, the HMRI Model serves as an example of how technical solutions can support the management and provision of services.