Table 3.

Proposed strategies for institutionalizing linkages between the formal health system and informal health providers

Proposed strategies	Identified by formal sector respondents	Identified by informal sector respondents
Advocacy to policymakers and gatekeepers	Seminars and sensitization workshops on integration, continuous stakeholders’ engagement	Open discussions on integration to ensure transparency
Mapping of informal providers in urban slum areas	Formalization of linkages with informal service providers involves obtaining information on who informal providers are, where and how they are operating	Mapping and categorization of informal providers in urban slums (e.g. PMVs, TBAs, TMPs, Bone setters, etc.) to help regulate their practices and control profusion of quacks questionable remedies.
Registration and accreditation	Creation of a legitimate association whose functions includes registration, renewal of licenses and accreditation	Creation of a legitimate board whose functions includes registration, renewal, accreditation, and discipline of defaulters
Training and certification	Training of informal providers on preventive care, data collection and client referrals. Encouraged certified training programmes for informal service providers	Training and re-training of informal service providers on rapid diagnostic tests, drug resistance, midwifery, early warning signs and emergency care, record keeping and infection prevention. Training should be based on curriculum and certified for only registered members
Engagement in service delivery	Involving the informal providers in curative care in very remote areas where there are no functional primary health centers. Standard referral protocols are encouraged	Advocates for more official recognition and support as contributors to health service delivery. (e.g. creation of unit in the Ministry of Health to coordinate and provide link with Informal sector, formal employment as a cadre of health workers in public service, a government-sponsored hospital complex for informal health providers)
Monitoring and supportive supervision	Activities of informal providers should be properly monitored and supervised by the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies	Expressed preference for supportive supervision devoid of criticisms, condemnation or disparagement by Ministry of Health and relevant agencies
Platforms for communication	Monthly/quarterly meetings to facilitate referrals from informal providers to the formal providers. Monthly meetings were encouraged	Establish communication and open discussion channels between the formal and informal sectors for knowledge and idea sharing