Table 2 Key dimensions of contracting the private sector to deliver EMs

Governance including regulation

To ensure that governance and associated regulations support private sector provision of EMs/FP and that the private sector complies with public sector health standards and private sector business standards

To facilitate effective governance, regulations, and reimbursement via transfer of electronic data between contractor and provider

Contracting and reimbursement

To guarantee timely and efficient service provision by the private sector and the transfer of funds by the public sector payer partner(s)

Affordability

To protect against financial hardship by the end user and the sustainability of the public payer

Quality of care

To maximize health benefits and use resource efficiently through support for patient-centered pharmaceutical service standards, medicine use reviews, and accreditation schemes for private sector pharmaceutical outlets

Accessibility

To promote equity in accessing retail pharmacies

Patient centered pharmaceutical care

To increase availability of services and greater provider choice and to improve patient satisfaction, adherence, and outcomes through better patient–provider communication techniques to reduce barriers to information access for pharmacies and patients

To support private sector pharmacies, professional associations, consumer/patient advocacy groups, and civil societies to develop/adapt standards, guidelines, and tools to institutionalize pharmaceutical care as part of essential packages of health services to optimize patient use of medicines