Investigating the quality of health care services in Busoga sub-region, Uganda

Abstract

Availability of Public Health infrastructure plays a major role in delivery of quality maternal and child healthcare services. This study was intended to investigate the quality of existing health infrastructure required for maternal child health care services in Busoga Sub-region. The study examined treatment and care infrastructure needs in maternal and child healthcare in public health facilities to help us understand the quality of maternal and child healthcare services and whether we are addressing all the emerging quality demands. The study was carried-out through a close collaborative effort with the district local governments and health facility managers in Jinja, Iganga, Kamuli and Mayuge Districts with high volume facilities. Data was obtained directly from the public health facilities through permission of the district authorities. During the survey, 324 mothers seeking maternal and child health care constituted the key respondents of this study. 400 mothers were randomly selected to participate in this study by filling a predesigned questionnaire on MCH services and support of health workers administering MCH services at the selected public health facilities was very crucial during the survey. Quality dimensions of maternal and child healthcare considered during the survey include; 1. Availability. 2.Accessibility. 3.Competency. 4.Timeliness 5. Privacy and Confidentiality 6. Caring and responsiveness. 7.Equity 8. Availability of spaces in the facility, among others. For the existing health infrastructure in public facilities to remain resilient, improved quality of maternal and child health services can only be achieved by prioritizing health sector financing of health systems. There is an urgent need for renovation and upgrade of maternal and child health infrastructure in all health facilities.