Developing Public-Private Partnership Framework for Managing Adverse Health Effects of Environmental Disaster (A case study of Lake Urmia -Iran)

Abstract

Abstract Background Due to the limited resources of the public sector, the presence of the private sector as an auxiliary to the health sector, to mitigate adverse health effects (AHEs) caused by environmental disasters, seems necessary. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework for managing AHE of environmental disasters (case study of Lake Urmia-Iran). Methods This is a qualitative study with grounded theory approach, conducted in 2019. Required data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 experts selected through purposive sampling, and analyzed using Content-Analysis. To formulate the initial framework, an experts’ panel, composed of 12 experts, was formed. Delphi method was used to determine the validity of the framework. Results Most participants found the private sector participation in this field, essential and useful. The most important infrastructure for the private sector participation was designing a legal framework and providing adequate resources and facilities. Pollutant assessment and education of families for disease prevention are among the most important areas that the private sector can participate. To evaluate the performance of the private sector, periodic and short-term reports together with documentation should be used, and the evaluation tool should be the checklists agreed by two sectors. Payments to the private sector should be for periodic objectives, based on performance, and after performance confirmation, in the form of combination of fee for services, per capita and performance-based system. Preventing waste of resources, improving service coverage, greater efficiency and attracting public participation were the most important benefits of the private sector participation. Conclusions PPP can be considered by policy makers as an effective policy for reducing the AHE of environmental disasters (especially drying lakes). To this end, the framework presented in this study can be used as an action guide by national and local authorities and policymakers.