Despite their best efforts, government and NGO programs have generally failed to achieve the scale and sustainability necessary to provide adequate and affordable healthcare to many living below the poverty line. But as the Time Global Health Summit illustrated, the role of the private sector in improving the delivery of healthcare in developing countries is still being debated. Although private sector strategies may improve efficiencies and lower costs, some fear that turning healthcare entirely into a consumer service will marginalize the poor even further. There is also the question of whether or not providing healthcare to low income communities can be done profitably.

The debate may finally be settled based on the success of several new business models that are blurring the line between NGOs and the private sector. Over the next week, I will be highlighting a number of innovative enterprises that leverage cross-sector partnerships to provide affordable healthcare to the poor. They will be organized in four broad categories: franchised networks that provide health services, ventures that produce health-related consumer products, enterprises that provide financial services and health insurance, and entities that are using the latest technologies to provide world class healthcare.

Franchising

The franchise system is one of the most successful private sector business models. Its decentralization enables rapid scaling and replication, and may be particularly suited for penetrating rural underserved areas. The size of a franchised network can also be leveraged for cost savings and greater government and private sector support. Several initiatives are already demonstrating their effectiveness in providing healthcare to low income communities.

OK, so you want to change the world – from the inside. Not a bad idea, considering that some corporations’ annual gross revenues are larger than the yearly GDPs of most developing countries. With that kind of cash, business can make a difference – hey, you’re reading NextBillion.net, you probably get it – we’re glad.

Back to changing the world, one company at a time. A good way to start might be business school, but you want a business school that will prepare you for a world-altering career that aligns with your passion for development. At the same time, you’ve got to make some money or all your world changing idealism will be for naught – hey, paying off loans is no way to make a difference out there.