Health entrepreneurship in universal health coverage delivery: evidence from emerging economies

Abstract Introduction:Universal health coverage aims for all populations to access quality healthcare without exposure to financial hardship from expensive out-of-pocket payments for the services. Health entrepreneurs are individuals or organizations who take financial risks to develop innovative and sustainable business models to deliver quality healthcare services and products to populations in various contexts. This study aimed to analyze the influence of health entrepreneurship on accelerating the progress towards the realization of universal health coverage in Kenya and Ghana. Methods:The research applied a cross-sectional, quantitative technique, survey design, and an explanatory analysis to understand the relationships between affordability and accessibility of healthcare services. The study's target respondents were health entrepreneurs running various healthcare services. Results:The study found that health entrepreneurs in Kenya and Ghana contribute to healthcare accessibility and affordability in varying degrees. Accessibility scores highlighted no statistically significant difference between the two settings (t = 0.91, p = 0.38). Similarly, affordability differences were not statistically significant (U = 10.5, p = 0.561). Additionally, the study identified regulatory and financial constraints as key challenges faced by health entrepreneurs in both countries. The study established that opportunities exist in leveraging technology and expanding public-private partnerships to improve healthcare access and affordability. Conclusion:This study underscores and provides empirical evidence that health entrepreneurship is significant in realizing Universal Health Coverage. Through this study's findings, healthcare entrepreneurs demonstrate their role in expanding access to care and ameliorating affordability by applying innovative care delivery approaches.