challenges faced by governments in the delivery of health care services

Question 1

what are the universal challenges with health care delivery?

Answer 1

1- insufficient resources
2- insufficient emphasis on prevention and public health
3- inequitable distribution

Question 2

what are the patient factors affecting the utilization of health services?

Answer 2

• Psychosocial factors
• Availability
• Accessibility
• Affordability

Question 3

insufficient resources

Answer 3

There is an increase in population and foreign migration, together with an increased life expectancy. This therefore causes an increased demand of health care services with very limited resources

Question 4

insufficient emphasis on prevention and public health

Answer 4

Many health care systems focus on treating rather than preventing so it’s more of a downstream approach. More emphasis is put on treatment rather than prevention because it brings about immediate and visible result. not cost effective.

Question 5

Inequitable distribution

Answer 5

concentration of services is in wealthier areas rather than underserviced communities. misallocation of resources leads to inefficient service delivery

Question 6

psychosocial factors

Answer 6

acceptability - patients who have had negative encounters are less likely to return back for care. Patients who are informed about health care and treatment are likely to seek care proactively

Question 7

availability

Answer 7

the ratio of heath care workers to population, migration and population growth

Question 8

accessibility

Answer 8

geographical location and spatial dimensions (wheelchair accessibility, security, working hours)

Question 9

affordability

Answer 9

direct and indirect cost of services