Disguising Trade in Development Partnerships
Public-private partnership (PPP) once christened to improve on quality and economic efficiency of public services in developed countrie s, is now widely promoted as a development tool that could ensure basic social services in LDCs. Th is paper analyses the doctrine of PPP and the application of various models to LDCs health delive ry systems. It examines different types of PPP arrangements including in international trade, othe r economic arrangements, development PPPs and domestic health initiatives. Examples are drawn fro m LDC countries especially Sierra Leone, to illustrate the practice of respective health PPPs a nd regulatory challenges inherent in complex PPP mix. A crucial issue is the appropriateness of mark eting 'Public-Private for profit partnerships' as a development mechanism for health delivery in poor countries. The paper recommends a more pro- active role for LDC governments in the design, impl ementation and surveillance of health PPPs as essential in achieving health development goals.
Public Services and Trade Liberalization: Mapping the Legal Framework
The impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) on public services is subject to a vivid political debate. From a legal perspective, an important issue is the sectoral scope of the GATS and the exact meaning of the term 'services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority' in Article I:3(b) GATS. This paper shows that this provision is likely to be interpreted narrowly and that most public services will fall within the sectoral scope of GATS. The reason for this finding lies in the definition of governmental services, which emphasizes the non-commercial basis and non-competitive supply of a service. This definition distinguishes GATS law from the similar provision in Article 45 EC. WTO Members wishing to reduce the impact of GATS on public services can do so through their schedules of specific commitments or seek an interpretation of the GATS, which would give them more regulatory flexibility. Copyright Oxford University Press 2003, Oxford University Press.
Franchising in health : emerging models, experiences, and challenges in primary care
A franchise is a type of business model in which a firm (the franchiser) licenses independent businesses (franchisees) to operate under its brand name. A firm might choose to expand its business through franchising because the arrangement shifts capital investment and day-to-day managerial responsibilities to independent businesses, overcoming two major constraints to rapid growth. The franchiser typically has established a successful product line and so is able to provide specialized business strategies to franchisees in exchange for a fixed fee or royalty payment. Franchisers in the health sector, often supported by international donors and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), establish protocols, provide training for health workers, certify those who qualify, monitor the performance of franchisees, and provide bulk procurement and brand marketing.