J. De Jager

The Measurement of Service Quality in Provincial Hospitals in South Africa

The South African government is responsible for the provision of primary health care to amongst other all population groups who cannot afford it. According to the results of this survey the majority of patients in provincial hospitals are not members of a medical aid fund or have sufficient funds to cover their health expenses. The government has an obligation to provide acceptable primary health care to people in need, irrespective of their ability to pay and also to provide excellent medical care to the community. According to numerous newspaper and magazine reports the quality of primary health care, which is provided by provincial hospitals, is unsatisfactory. Strong allegations have been made in reports alluding to the incompetence of various provincial hospitals to provide basic primary health care. It could lead to an intolerable situation, because private hospitals are not an option for those who do not have the financial means. Whether the allegations are true or only limited to isolated incidences, have to be investigated.