Public-Private Partnership in the Development of Iranian Hospital Services: Lessons Learned from Experience

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been constructively considered in recent years to reform health sectors in many countries. This study was conducted to survey the only example of experience for PPP implementation in the hospital sector in Iran (Moheb). This is a qualitative study conducted in 2015‒2016. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data. To this end, 18 experts and professionals working in the health system, and individual’s familiar with the partnership models and involved in the development of this model in hospital services participated. For data analysis and classification, content analysis methods and MAXQDA10 software were used. In the current study three main categories including: goals and reasons for the formation of Moheb, achievements and consequences of Moheb, and challenges of Moheb, along with 9 subthemes and 28 themes were identified. Implementation of PPP and experiences such as this example in Moheb experience are fundamental to overcoming that the need to provide optimal and quality treatment with reasonable costs in Iran. The localization of this model and its adaptation to conditions in Iran, development in the health sector can be achieved. This model can be developed and promoted across the country