The Discourse of Outsourcing: Some Implications for Health Services and Education

Outsourcing has become an accepted practice in information technology, business, education and health. It takes place in private and public institutions. Outsourcing is the strategic use of efficient third-party providers to perform essential functions traditionally handled internally (in-sourcing). In business, it aims to transform a company into a more dynamic, market-leading organisation in a rapidly changing world. The primary reasons for outsourcing are that it is cost-effective, less time-consuming and flexible. This study examines the principles and premises on which outsourcing in health services (e.g. blood test, physiotherapy) and education (e.g. multimedia, assessment, interview, review) are based and how they are translated into practice. It identifies some problems and issues facing outsourcing in health services.