Assessing the role of administrative decentralization in the improvement of health services among the low earning people in Lwengo district; Case study: Kyazanga Health Centre III.

Abstract

The study was intended to Assess the role of Administrative Decentralization in the Improvement of Health Services among the low earning people in Uganda, Kyazanga Sub County, and Kyazanga health Centre III as the case study. The study was guided by four research questions as derived from the specific objectives; How has decentralization helped in health service delivery? What is the role played by the sub county in the health service delivery to the local citizens?, What are the services offered to the people at the health Centre III? What challenges have been faced in health decentralization? In carrying out the study, a descriptive study design employing both qualitative and quantitative approach was used. The study covered a sample size of 54 respondents among whom it targeted the following; the local government leaders at the sub county (councillors), the health administrators and health workers (nurses and clinical officers), and the local people/ the HC III beneficiaries. Some of these respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique while others were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides administered to the sampled population and it was later presented using tables and narratives. Literature from secondary sources such as published books, reports, journals, newspapers and internet services (websites) was used to supplement the primary data. Analysis of data was done using frequency counts, percentages and content analysis for information from the structured interactions with respondents. It was confirmed that LCIII council plays an important role in health service delivery through planning and financial budgeting for the health sector and sensitization. This has empowered the local people the participants were highly knowledgeable about the health facilities that existed in their community. They access treatment diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, measles, Antenatal care and fighting HIV/AIDS among the rural people. For instance there are Mobile clinic services and community health workers (CHWs) that have been crucial in supplementing services. The people had access to cheap health services. The low income earners are disadvantaged populations hence accessibility of health services in communities with no public health facilities is burdensome to poor. However they experience challenges such as illiteracy, poverty, under funding of the health sector, corruption, regular stock out for drugs, high costs of services, cultural conservatism, inadequate water and poor sanitation facilities have a big impact on health indicators.