BLUE STAR BANGLADESH: A FRACTIONAL FRANCHISING MODEL OF PRIVATE HEALTH PROVIDERS

Blue Star is a network of private sector providers managed by Social Marketing Company (SMC) Bangladesh

SMC is the second largest Social Marketing Organization in the world delivering over 4.1 million CYP’s annually

Blue Star was set up to actively engage the private sector in the delivery of Family Planning and other health services since a vast majority of the population depend on them for their health needs

IntroductionIntroduction

Partnership on the basis of an MOU: service delivery , compliance, pricing, quality etc

Providers practice through chemist shops most of which are owned by them

They provide oral contraceptives, administer SMC Injectable SOMA-JECT in addition to other health services

Contraceptives, specially Injectables are sold at subsidized rate; providers charge nominal fees

Also acts as referral agent for TB, LAPM and MNH

SMC provides basic and refreshers training, certificate, signage, promotional/BCC support, monitoring and follow up and commodity supply

Characteristics of the Blue Star Provider networkCharacteristics of the Blue Star Provider network

Works with existing providers who practice within the community

Highly rural focused where FP services are most needed

Widely accessible: over 4000 providers in the network

Only provider offering Injectable contraceptive in the private sector

Public private sector partnership

Over branded products

What makes Blue Star SpecialWhat makes Blue Star Special

7% 12%81%

Urban City Corporation Urban Municipality Rural

Over 1.2 million Injectable administered in 2010

Represents 20% of all contraceptive Injectable used in the country

High operating cost recovery (310% without commodity & 34% with commodity)

Low turnover of providers ( 3% per year)

ImpactImpact

Can play a significant role in expanding the use of Long Acting FP methods (IUD’s, Implants)

Can be used as a referral network for other tertiary level services for communicable diseases - HIV/AIDs, Malaria and NTDs (filariasis, leprosy)

Service expansion into other emerging public health issues: dengue, swine flue, nipa virus, anthrax

Improved sustainability through introduction of higher margin products and services

Potential for FuturePotential for Future

Please visit www.smc-bd.org or contact 2.Mr. Ashfaque Rahman-Managing Director-SMC (a.rahman@smc-bd.org)

3.Salah Uddin Ahmed-Manager, Blue Star Program (su.ahmed@smc-bd.org)

Blue Star: Service

that you want close to your home