Previous studies have shown that strong private sector engagement is an effective way to increase screening and referral of presumptive TB cases for diagnostic testing. The hub and spoke, social enterprise model being operated by Kalinga Health offers an innovative solution to address these challenges.
The Kalinga Health clinic acts as a “hub” where a network of private providers (“spokes”) refer patients through a variety of public-private mix (PPM) strategies. It also acts as an intermediary facility for case registration, reimbursement of private and public insurance, and treatment support for referral partners in the private sector.
This research forum, entitled Community Health Innovations, presented the effectiveness, acceptability, and valuation of Kalinga Health as a novel private provider interface model of tuberculosis care in Metro Manila, Philippines. The event was held online via Zoom on November 24, 2021. It was attended by representatives of the Department of Health, city health offices, community-based and civil society organizations, members of the private sector, development partners, and other government agencies.