Browsing by Author "BANDA, Musonda"

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    Exploring the effects of service user fees in accessing health care services at Nchanga Morth General Hospital in Chingola, Copperbelt Province
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) BANDA, Musonda
    This study delves into the ramifications of service user fees on the accessibility of healthcare services at Nchanga North General Hospital, located in Luapula. Its primary objectives encompassed various facets: examining the correlation between user fees and healthcare access, elucidating the influence of service user fees on the social standing of the population, evaluating the impact of service user fees on the caliber of healthcare services, and investigating the consequences of service user fees on the utilization of healthcare services. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of service user fees on the accessibility of healthcare services. To address this objective, a qualitative exploratory approach was employed, enabling the collection of insights from personnel within the official capacity, management staff, and in-patient caregivers. The principal data collection instruments encompassed in-depth open-ended interviews with workers and management, as well as a focus group discussion involving in-patient caretakers. These activities were carried out at Nchanga North General Hospital. Research questions were derived from the established objectives. Data gathered was manually scrutinized and analyzed using Content analysis techniques to discern patterns, trends, and meaningful insights. The investigation unveiled several influential factors shaping the impact of service user fees on healthcare service accessibility. These factors encompassed: inadequate awareness regarding user fees, impediments faced by economically disadvantaged individuals in healthcare access, discernible improvements in healthcare service quality, diminished operational efficiency, alterations in individual social standing, suboptimal revenue generation, limited familiarity with service exemptions, and instances of political interference leading to unwarranted healthcare utilization. In light of these findings, the study concludes with a series of recommendations. Firstly, it underscores the significance of conducting community assessments of social status prior to policy implementation. Secondly, it suggests the recalibration of user fee structures to align with community income levels, thereby fostering affordability and flexibility. Additionally, the study advocates for investments in comprehensive information dissemination efforts. Lastly, the paper recommends governmental exploration of alternative financing mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system. Key words: access to health care services, user fees, quality, efficiency and social status.