This study of the role of Ghana's private sector in the country's health system employs a supply and demand approach to identify market, policy, and institutional weaknesses that could be addressed through action to improve the public-private partnership. After background on Ghana's health system and general enrollment in 2010, the book explains the methodology of the study, which involved secondary analysis of household surveys, a questionnaire for public and private health service providers, and group discussions with private providers, as well as patient exit polls and interviews with key informants at the national level. The report identifies obstacles such as poor investment climate, weak financial management, and incomplete coverage under risk pooling, especially among lower-income populations. Options for reform are described, such as enforcing quality standards, strengthening professional education, and improving pharmaceutical distribution networks through incentives. About 40 pages of appendices offer a list of stakeholders interviewed and supplementary data and analysis. There is no subject index. Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
