Primary Care through a Public-Private Partnership

The primary care delivery model developed by the Health Management and Research Institute (HMRI) in India, integrates innovative technical solutions and process-oriented operations for the provision of healthcare services, while supporting the public health system. Through a public-private partnership with the state government of Andhra Pradesh, HMRI has a unique base to pilot large scale health interventions. The HMRI Model includes components such as a medical helpline, rural outreach health services, a disease surveillance program, a blood bank application, and telemedicine projects. Both clinical and non-clinical procedures are strengthened by technology that enables research, tailored and evidence-based interventions, as well as improves efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery. Health management and decision-making is assisted by the organization’s large database of electronic medical records. Challenges to implementation include implications of large government contracts, funding issues, as well as technical constraints and human resources issues. This chapter describes the Model’s various components and its contextual framework with enabling and constraining factors. HMRI has developed a unique system for preventive and primary care that can serve as a model for low, middle, and high income countries, though external evaluations are critically needed for further assessment of best practices.