Zambia undertaking reforms to attract private sector participation in health service delivery —Lishimpi

Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health (Zambia), says the government is undertaking reforms aimed at attracting more private sector participation in health service delivery and pharmaceutical production.

Lishimpi said the reforms were anchored on the Health Financing Strategy 2017–2027, which promotes private sector involvement and Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs).

He made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by Calvin Kalombo, Health Director for Policy and Planning, during a media breakfast organised by the Healthcare Federation of Zambia in Lusaka on Saturday.

Lishimpi said the government was committed to mobilising private investment and innovation across the entire health value chain.

“The ministry is establishing a robust mechanism for structured public–private collaboration,” he said.

He added that a Public–Private Liaison Office would soon be established within the ministry to enhance coordination and transparency.

Lishimpi reiterated that private sector participation was essential for achieving efficiency, scale and resilience within the health system.

“Private sector participation is essential for achieving scale, efficiency, and resilience. This is clearly articulated in the National Health Compact,” he said.

He added that the planned liaison office, supported by the Public Private Dialogue Forum, would strengthen coordination, transparency and accountability.

“The Government is undertaking reforms to make it easier and more attractive for private players to invest in service delivery and pharmaceutical production,” he said.

He noted that these reforms were aligned with the Health Financing Strategy 2017–2027, which identified PPPs as a key component of sustainable health financing.

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