This working paper explores the benefits and trade-offs of harnessing private sector health services as governments look to build more resilient, accessible, and affordable health systems and support the post-pandemic recovery. It considers why governments must continuously decide whether to produce or buy-in services, analyzes how public–private collaborations can bolster the social sector, and explores how these helped governments respond to the pandemic and its aftermath. Outlining the role ADB can play, the paper recommends governments adopt an evidence-based approach, encourage private sector involvement in healthcare provision, and bolster collaborative governance to strengthen their health systems.