Exploring challenges and opportunities encountered by private health facilities in Lusaka urban, Zambia: A case study of selected private health facilities in Lusaka Urban, Zambia.

INTRODUCTION: The role of healthcare provision has been shouldered by governments globally, primarily through public sector institutions. In Africa, health systems in both private and public health institutions encounter significant challenges and opportunities. Zambia, in its pursuit of universal healthcare, is incorporating private facilities to increase access to quality healthcare. However, there's inadequate research on the challenges and opportunities encountered by these facilities. This study aimed to explore the challenges, solutions, and opportunities encountered by private health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia, with the goal of providing information for policy, decision-making, and future research. METHODS: A case study involving mixed method approach was used. In-depth interviews of key informants from private health facilities and Ministry of Health officials based in Lusaka Urban, Zambia, were conducted. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Word cloud application. RESULTS: Findings showed that private health facilities encountered operational challenges such as 21.95% regulatory fees, 19.51% equipment shortages, 19.51% low staffing, 19.51% financial constraints, and 19.51% limited infrastructure. Further, patient-related challenges such as 28% difficulties with record-keeping, 24% drug supply, 20% waiting times, 16% returning clients, and 12% specialist clinics were established. Several opportunities encountered by private health facilities include providing major opportunities (25%), presenting more choices for healthcare services (20.31%), contributing to improvement in service delivery (20.31%), generating income through health insurance schemes (20.31%), while direct payments were 14.06%. CONCLUSION: Overall, while private health facilities encounter significant challenges, leveraging existing opportunities could enhance healthcare quality and client satisfaction and foster business growth.