Effects of COVID -19 on service delivery in public sector hospitals in Zimbabwe. The case of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
- Author
- Ranguna,D Brian
- Title
- Effects of COVID -19 on service delivery in public sector hospitals in Zimbabwe. The case of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
- Abstract
- The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on service delivery in public sector hospitals with Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals as the case study. The objectives of the study were: to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the availability of medication and the doctor-to-patient ratio. The study used a sample comprising of 39 health care workers, 5 patients, and 8 members of the community selected through a probability sampling technique. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. Findings of the study indicated that COVID-19 negatively affected service delivery in Zimbabwean public hospitals particularly Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. The study indicates that COVID-19 infections caused a significant strain on healthcare system resulting in a substantial increase in doctor to patient ratio. Further findings showed that Zimbabwe imports most of its medication from India and China countries that have been affected by COVID -19 resulting in low supply of medical inputs in public hospitals. The study, therefore, recommends the government to constantly supply protective clothing to health workers to reduce further spreading of COVID-19. The government is further recommended to practice import substitution to strengthen the nation’s capabilities of producing medical supplies through public-private partnerships with organizations like Varichem, CAPS, Natpharm and Availpharm pharmaceutical. The government is also recommended to utilize telemedicine technology to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare during these unprecedented times.
- Date
- June 2023
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- effects of COVID-19
- Supervisor
- Mr. Chikabwi
- Item sets
- Department of Economics
- Media
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Brian Ranguna.docx