RESUMEN
Background: Our Lady of Porziuncola Hospital, Inc. (OLPHI) and the City Government of Calbayog, Samar collaborated to operate a City Ward and other related indigent services. The program was called: "Kamanlalakbay sa Kalusugan". After initial years of operation, no formal evaluation has been conducted to assess if the program is doable and achieving its objectives. There is also a need to identify problems hindering its implementation-hence this research. Method: A descriptive study utilizing a goal-based evaluation of the program was conducted last February 1 to March 31, 2010. It looked into: how processes are implemented; if target beneficiaries were reached; contributions to include financial resources; and satisfaction of implementers and recipients to services rendered. It utilized census, logbooks, key informant interviews and pre-validated PSI questionnaires and quantitative and qualitative data starting from July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009; with consent duly obtained from the respondents. Results: Subsidized operation of forty charity beds, transfer of city health services and LGU personnel in OLPHI, specialty missions, and tie-ups with service providers made health care accessible. Shared and outsourced assistance resulted to affordable care but financial subsudues are still deficient. Social service benefits, "in-kind/in-labor" payments, empowerment/capability building seminars, and community participation afforded active participation. Problems encountered included financial constraints; non-compliance to MOA; meddling from politicians/detractors and limitations as a new hospital. Conclusion: Public-Private partnership in health delivery is doable, offering a landmark innovation of giving accessible, affordable and actively participative care. However, obstacles identified were financial limitation and lack of continued support from implementers. The DOH-Eastern Visayas office will do follow-up program evaluation this year.