By Alice Lubasi
The Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) has called for increased private sector participation in healthcare delivery to strengthen Zambia’s health system.
PPDF Director General Andrew Chipwende said investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing and health services remains constrained by high compliance costs, delays in registration, and limited coordination among institutions. He emphasized that addressing these challenges will require stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
Mr. Chipwende noted that the private sector plays a critical role in meeting the growing demand for healthcare services and expertise. His remarks, delivered on his behalf by Director of Policy, Research and Analysis Elita Mwenda, came during the inaugural Health Technical Working Group meeting in Lusaka.
He explained that the meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to develop evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the sector.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for Special Duties Professor Lackson Kasonka said strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing is a strategic national priority. He added that the dialogue is aimed at identifying solutions to build a competitive and sustainable health manufacturing sector.
Healthcare Federation of Zambia Chairperson Shailen Desai reaffirmed that the private sector is ready to support growth in the health sector and the broader economy.
PPDF Acting Director for Strategic Communications Francesca Phiri said the formation of the technical working group will help address challenges facing the health sector.
