Table 4: Supply of Financing for Private Providers in Benin Provider Characteristic
Private Health Providers Currently Served by Financial Institutions
Private Health Providers Not Served by Financial Institutions
Size
Larger facilities, some medium-sized and smaller providers
Smaller providers
Duration of business
Older, well established
Newer, still building business
Location
Urban areas, some peri-urban areas
Rural and peri-urban areas
Formalization
Registered and authorized to operate in the private sector
Informal, includes providers in the process of registration or awaiting authorization
Provider type
Pharmacists, high-end clinics, hospitals, larger/stronger members of the ProFam network
Individual medical practices, maternity homes
Source: Adeya et al., 2007
There is interest in a Development Credit Authority (DCA) guarantee through FECECAM (a microfinance institution) and Bank of Africa. A guarantee of close to $7 million, or about 40 percent of the estimated current financing need, would provide a substantial boost to health sector lending while leaving room for other banks to enter the lending market.
SHOPS Project • Benin Private Health Sector Assessment
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