Refugee crisis and re-emergence of forgotten infections in Europe

Makeshift shelters are becoming increasingly evident in European cities as a consequence of the momentous influx of refugees seeking asylum in European countries. These individuals have endured long gruelling journeys to reach their target countries, often having to have survived appalling living conditions (figure 1a). One of the routes chosen by migrants is that from East Africa, through Sudan and Libya before reaching North Africa and eventually Europe (see figure 1b). Not unsurprisingly, this has led to the introduction of infectious diseases rarely encountered in developed nations, most notably louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF).

Public-private partnerships and efficiency in public procurement of primary healthcare infrastructure: a qualitative research in the NHS UK

Aim There is growing interest in the contribution of public-private partnerships (PPPs) bridging the shortage of financial resources and management expertise in developing public healthcare infrastructure. However, few studies have evidenced PPPs’ ability in increasing efficiency in public procurement of primary healthcare infrastructure. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent PPPs would increase efficiency in public procurement of primary healthcare facilities. Subject and Methods A qualitative analysis, adopting a realistic research evaluation method, used data collected from a purposive sample of public (n=23) and private sector staff (n=2) directly involved in the UK National Health Service Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT). Results We find a positive association of LIFT helping to bridge public sector capital shortages for developing primary care surgeries. LIFT is negatively associated with inefficient procurement because it borrows finance from private banks, leaving public agencies paying high interest rates. The study shows that some contextual factors and mechanisms in LIFT play a major part in obstructing public staff from increasing procurement efficiency. Conclusion PPP’s ability to increase efficiency may be determined by contextual factors and mechanisms that restrict discretion over critical decisions by frontline public sector staff. Developing their capacity in monitoring PPP activities may make partnerships more efficient.