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, or question 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.

This report highlights a number of such enterprises organized into 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.