Given the billions of aid dollars spent on improving the health systems of Africa, it may surprise you to learn that the majority of Africans still turn to the private sector for their healthcare. Not because the private sector provides great service or cheaper prices. But rather, for many, it remains the only option.
Public health centres are all too often understaffed and short on important supplies. The private sector may be filling the gap, but it is not solving the problem. Private healthcare providers are plagued by excessive fragmentation and little to no oversight, resulting in high prices and poor quality. The retail price for basic, essential medicines is often over 300% of the manufacturing cost. Store shelves are stocked with expired and counterfeit drugs. And poorly trained, poorly monitored outlets are the norm. In short, health systems across Africa are chronically sick.
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