Evaluating opportunities for successful public-private partnership in the healthcare sector in Poland

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to analyse and assess barriers and opportunities for the improvement of the condition of public hospitals in Poland by means of public-private partnerships.MethodsThe study reviews the literature and acts concerning this subject, and undertakes exploratory analyses of data acquired from national health data repositories.ResultsThe situation of healthcare system in Poland is complex. There are several opportunities for alternative collaboration between private and public sector, such as joint shareholding by private and public partners in a hospital. However, there are significant barriers for developing PPPs, such as short-term contracts with public payers and a very low level of funding for health care services.ConclusionsExamination of different models of PPPs in different countries suggest that several important factors are required for a successful PPP project. The main factors that may affect the success of PPPs in the Polish market are: changes to the contract with the payer for the health care services, stable economic and legal conditions, appropriate allocation of risk, enough experience on both sides, use of a reputable and competent private partner, and sufficient initial capital.