BACKGROUND :

The effective management of mixed, public and private, healthcare systems will determine the success or failure of UHC for many countries. UHC in Low- and Middle-Income Countries are increasingly expanding through the incorporation of private clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals into health systems, funded in whole or part through government-managed health insurance mechanisms. This situation highlights the importance of regulations and policies on health provision which apply across the whole delivery system regardless of ownership status. A well-governed health system is one where public and private actors collectively deliver on the realisation of UHC. However, critical concerns – both evidence-based and otherwise – remain unaddressed about the risks and benefits of private sector engagement as part of efforts towards UHC. There also significant know-how and capacity gaps which create barriers to efforts to effectively manage mixed health systems for UHC.