This paper explores gaps and limitations in the conceptualisation, methodology
and policy implications of debates about informal health care providers by
examining a cross section of empirical studies. Drawing on a tradition of critical
medical anthropology, we argue that existing debates hinge on a particular
understanding of what constitutes appropriate knowledge and on particular
expectations of how economic actors in the medical marketplace will behave.
Keywords: informal providers; markets; medicine vendors; access; quality;
expertise.
