CHALI, Mangalita2026-05-182026https://research.unilus.ac.zm/handle/123456789/656Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations - Research ReportThis study examined the influence of political patronage on service delivery within the Ministry of Health in Lusaka Province and the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). The study was guided by three objectives: to assess the effects of political patronage on staffing and administrative appointments; to examine how political influence shapes decision-making in resource allocation and procurement; and to explore healthcare workers’ and administrators’ perceptions of political patronage and its effect on service efficiency. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires with qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study targeted medical, administrative, and technical/support staff from the Ministry of Health provincial offices and UTH. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that political patronage significantly influences staffing and administrative appointments. More than half of the respondents (27 out of 50) reported that senior management positions were either rarely or never advertised, suggesting limited transparency in recruitment processes. In addition, 20 respondents (40%) acknowledged direct political interference in senior personnel selection, while 24 respondents confirmed the occurrence of politically motivated transfers or promotions. Qualitative accounts further revealed that leadership changes often coincide with political transitions, contributing to institutional instability and weakened continuity. The study concludes that political patronage remains a systemic challenge within Zambia’s public health sector, compromising transparency, accountability, equitable resource distribution, and effective service delivery. By providing institution-level empirical evidence, the study fills a critical gap in the literature on political interference in healthcare management in Zambia. The study recommends strengthening institutional autonomy, enforcing merit-based recruitment and procurement systems, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and clearly separating technical health sector decisions from political influence. Further research is recommended to explore comparative patterns across provinces and other public service sectors.enThesis