Introduction:<p><p>La République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) a opté, en 1980 pour un système de santé basé sur les soins de santé primaires. Le district de santé, outil de mise en œuvre des soins de santé primaires, constitue la cheville ouvrière de cette architecture. Les provinces en constituent le Niveau intermédiaire. <p>L’environnement international est préoccupé depuis la décennie 2000 par les stratégies visant l’atteinte des objectifs du millénaire pour le développement, le renouveau des soins de santé primaires et le renforcement des systèmes de santé. Dans cet environnement où la performance du district de santé est recherchée et dans un contexte national instable, marqué par un foisonnement d’acteurs et une stratégie de réforme du système de santé en RDC, la question du rôle du Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire vis-à-vis du district de santé est posée. Face à cette question, nous faisons la proposition que le Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire, sous certaines conditions, constitue un levier de la performance du district de santé. Cette proposition est contextualisée en RDC, particulièrement au niveau des provinces de Kinshasa et du Nord Kivu. Le but de ce travail de thèse est de proposer un nouveau mode d’organisation du Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire qui soit compatible avec ses finalités de renforcement des performances des districts de santé.<p><p>Méthodes:<p> L’étude de cas multi-sites, dans une approche systémique et une perspective épistémologique interprétativiste, a constitué la principale stratégie de recherche dans ce travail de thèse. Son choix a été justifié par la complexité de l’objet de recherche et l’intérêt de prendre en compte les contextes. <p>Le point de départ pour ce travail a été l’élaboration d’un modèle préliminaire du Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire en RDC au terme d’une revue des principaux concepts et de la littérature sur les structures intermédiaires de santé au niveau international.<p>L’ensemble du travail s’est articulé sur 5 études. Les deux premières études ont ciblé (i) les pratiques et les logiques d’action au cours 30 ans des soins de santé primaires en RDC et (ii) les représentations par les acteurs du rôle exercé le Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire en RDC. Les trois études suivantes ont porté respectivement sur le Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire dans les provinces de (iii) Kinshasa et (iv) du Nord Kivu et sur (v) le processus décisionnel au Nord Kivu. L’étude sur les pratiques et les logiques d’action en RDC a été menée par triangulation des données d’interviews et d’analyse documentaire. L’étude des représentations par les acteurs du rôle joué par le niveau intermédiaire au cours de 30 ans de soins de santé primaires en RDC, a été menée par analyse inductive des données d’entretiens semi directifs auprès d’informateurs clés. Les deux études rétrospectives sur le niveau intermédiaire à Kinshasa (1995-2005) et au Nord Kivu (2000-2008) ont été menées par triangulation des données d’entretiens, des données documentaires et par l’analyse des données sanitaires de routine. Enfin, l’étude sur le processus décisionnel au niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire de la province du Nord Kivu (2008-2010), dont le cadre d’analyse est basé sur la théorie de prise de décision en situation, a recouru à 5 sources de données: des entretiens de 10 cadres provinciaux, 5 groupes focalisés, l’analyse des données documentaires, des données sanitaires de routine et des données d’observation participante. <p>Le modèle préliminaire, élaboré au départ, a été revisité sous forme de modèle provisoire du Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire (NISS) sur base de l’analyse inter-sites des données des deux études des cas rétrospectives. Ce modèle provisoire a été amélioré à la lumière des résultats de l’étude sur le processus décisionnel au Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire du Nord Kivu. Nous appuyant sur les éléments du modèle amélioré du NISS et sur les résultats d’une recherche-action menée au Nord Kivu et au Kasaï Oriental, nous avons proposé un nouveau mode d’organisation du Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire en RDC.<p><p>Résultats:<p><p>L’étude sur les 30 ans des soins de santé primaires en RDC a révélé qu’au cours de la première décennie (1980-1989) de mise en œuvre des soins de santé primaires, le Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire a joué un rôle essentiellement symbolique en RDC. Il a été limité par l’insuffisance des ressources humaines et matérielles. Dans ces conditions et face à des districts de santé performants, il s’est cantonné à des fonctions de contrôle et à un rôle administratif de représentation de l’autorité étatique. <p>L’analyse des représentations des acteurs a montré une variabilité temporelle du rôle exercé par le Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire vis-à-vis des districts de santé au cours des 30 ans des soins de santé primaires en RDC. Le brain-drain important des ressources humaines, au début de la décennie 90, l’ampleur des urgences humanitaires et le poids croissant des programmes verticaux, ont crée le besoin d’un soutien plus important des districts de santé. En fonction de la disponibilité des ressources, de la qualité des ressources humaines au NISS et des interactions avec les autres acteurs, le soutien du NISS aux districts de santé a été variable dans le temps et selon les provinces. L’analyse des représentations des acteurs a mis en évidence deux pôles de modèles sous-jacents du NISS en RDC :un modèle contrôle au départ et un modèle plus subsidiaire émergent et opérant dans certaines provinces. Entre ces deux pôles de modèle, nous avons pu classer les structures intermédiaires en RDC selon les provinces. <p> L’étude de cas 1 rétrospective a permis d’illustrer partiellement l’évolution du modèle du NISS pour la province de Kinshasa. Pour la période allant de 1995 à 2005, il a été observé une reconfiguration du NISS, qui est passée d’une structure principalement bureaucratique à une forme plus organique (hybride mécaniste-adhocratique). Cette évolution, s’est opérée conjointement avec l’émergence d’une logique plus managériale dans le pilotage et la régulation socio sanitaire provinciale ainsi que dans le soutien aux districts de santé. Elle s’est accompagnée d’une amélioration des performances des districts de santé dans les domaines de couverture sanitaire, d’utilisation des services, mais peu d’améliorations pour la qualité des soins. Ces performances ont été obtenues dans un contexte marqué par des financements extérieurs stationnaires au niveau des districts de santé (0,5 Usd/hab) et une amélioration des financements, des compétences, du cadre et des outils de travail au NISS Kinshasa. <p>Pour la province du Nord Kivu (de 2000 à 2008) (étude de cas 2), bien que confrontée à des troubles sociopolitiques récurrents, le NISS a développé des pratiques qui adaptent d’une part les options stratégiques du Ministère aux réalités provinciales. D’autre part, cette étude a montré des interventions et allocations des ressources des partenaires mieux coordonnées, des activités des programmes mieux intégrées au niveau des districts de santé ainsi que des compétences des équipes des districts de santé renforcées. Ces pratiques se sont accompagnées d’une amélioration des performances des districts de santé, au point de vue de la couverture en infrastructures sanitaires, l’approvisionnement des médicaments essentiels, l’information sanitaire, la préparation aux urgences, l’utilisation des services et la qualité des soins. Ces performances ont été obtenues au Nord Kivu avec des financements relativement modestes au NISS (0,06 Usd/habitant/an).<p>L’étude du processus décisionnel au NISS Nord Kivu de 2008 à 2010 (étude de cas 3) a montré des processus (i) d’ouverture du NISS vers d’autres acteurs, (ii) de renforcement mutuel des compétences, (iii) de renforcement des ressources et des compétences aux niveaux des districts de santé. Bien que des besoins pour plus de professionnalisme au NISS aient été ressentis, l’analyse de ces processus a mis en évidence une dynamique d’apprentissage mutuel et de gouvernance adaptative au NISS Nord Kivu. Cette dynamique a contribué à maintenir, à des niveaux acceptables, les performances des districts de santé dans un contexte pourtant instable entre 2008 et 2010. <p>L’analyse inter-sites des données du NISS Kinshasa (1995-2005) et Nord Kivu (2000-2008) a montré deux contextes différents, mais tous marqués par les caractères dynamique, instable et complexe des demandes auxquelles le NISS a eu à répondre dans les 2 provinces. Cet analyse a en outre montré des modifications organisationnelles (adjonction à la bureaucratie mécaniste des dimensions adhocratiques et professionnelles) et l’exercice des fonctions adaptatives et de soutien sociotechnique et logistique aux districts de santé. L’exercice de ces fonctions a intégré le principe de subsidiarité et s’est accompagné des performances améliorées aux niveaux des districts de santé. Ces modifications organisationnelles et l’exercice des fonctions décrits ci-dessus ont été plus prononcés au Nord Kivu. Ces analyses ont d’une part montré la pertinence d’une dimension adhocratique dans la configuration du NISS et de l’exercice des fonctions adaptatives et de soutien sociotechnique et logistique des districts de santé; d’autre part, elles ont montré l’intérêt d’intégrer le principe de subsidiarité dans l’exercice de ces fonctions, pour renforcer les performances du district de santé. Sur base de ces éléments, notre modèle préliminaire du NISS a été modifié en intégrant le principe de subsidiarité dans l’exercice des fonctions adaptatives et de soutien aux districts de santé, ce qui nous a conduit à proposer un modèle provisoire du NISS en RDC.<p>L’analyse des données sur le processus décisionnel au Nord Kivu (2008-2010) a montré une dynamique d’ouverture organisationnelle aux autres acteurs dans la prise de décision. Cette dynamique a comporté des processus d’apprentissage individuel et collectif, permettant de mieux adapter la gouvernance du système sanitaire aux contextes. Cette analyse a également mis en évidence l’intérêt d’un professionnalisme adaptatif au NISS. Sur base de ces éléments, notre modèle provisoire du NISS s’est enrichi par l’intérêt (i) d’une composante d’adhocratie professionnelle et d’un apprentissage organisationnel au NISS pour renforcer les performances du district de santé. Notre modèle provisoire du NISS a été amélioré en intégrant une composante d’adhocratie professionnelle à la configuration mécaniste bureaucratique de départ du NISS ainsi que le principe d’apprentissage organisationnel dans l’exercice de ses fonctions et l’interaction avec les districts de santé. <p>Ces éléments sur le modèle amélioré sont centraux au nouveau mode d’organisation du NISS proposé pour la RDC dans le cadre de la recherche. Nous appuyant sur les éléments du modèle amélioré du NISS et sur les résultats d’une recherche-action menée en équipe multidisciplinaire et à laquelle nous avons participé au Nord Kivu et au Kasaï Oriental, nous avons proposé un nouveau mode d’organisation du NISS en RDC basé sur quatre métiers :(i) l’Appui aux districts (zones) de santé, (ii) l’Information, communication et recherche, (iii) l’Inspection et le contrôle, et (iv) la Gestion des ressources. <p>Conclusions:<p><p>Le Niveau intermédiaire du système sanitaire, dont la configuration mécaniste bureaucratique de base intègre une adhocratie professionnelle, est plus enclin d’exercer des fonctions adaptatives et de soutien sociotechnique et logistique aux districts de santé. Ces fonctions adaptatives concourent à une gouvernance plus flexible, ouverte à la confiance et aux synergies entre acteurs ainsi qu’à la créativité dans l’action. Le Niveau intermédiaire ainsi reconfiguré et exerçant ces fonctions, tout en intégrant les principes de subsidiarité et d’apprentissage organisationnel, constitue un levier pertinent de renforcement des performances du district de santé en RDC. Le nouveau mode d’organisation proposé et basé sur ce modèle d’organisation est articulé sur quatre métiers :(i) Appui aux districts (zones) de santé ;(ii) Information sanitaire, recherche et communication ;(iii) Inspection et contrôle ;(iv) Gestion des ressources. Ce nouveau mode d’organisation comporte néanmoins quelques défis de mise en œuvre en RDC, dont ceux liés au changement des logiques des acteurs. <p>Le modèle du NISS proposé peut s’avérer utile dans des contextes similaires des pays vastes, confrontés à des situations critiques ou post critiques et aux moyens de communications déficients, mais soucieux de renforcer les performances des districts de santé.<p><p><p><p>Intermediate Health system level, a pertinent level to reinforce the health district in Democratic Republic of Congo<p><p>Abstract<p><p>Introduction: <p>The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opted, in 1980 for primary health care system. The heath district constitutes the operational and ankle level and the provinces constitute the intermediate Level of this architecture. <p>Since the decade 2000, to accelerate the millennium goals realization by the renewal of the primary health care and reinforcing the health systems appears on international agenda. In this context the health district performance is needed. In DRC, support health system and an health reform strategy have been elaborated in order to reinforce the health district performance. In this context, arise the question of the intermediate health level contribution to health district performance. Facing this question, we propose that the intermediate health level, under some conditions, reinforce the health district performance in DRC. The goal of this thesis is to propose a new design organization of the intermediate health level that is compatible with the health district performance in DRC. <p> Methods: <p> The methods are based on multi-sites case study design and on a systemic approach and an interpretative perspective. These design; approach and perspective choices are justified by the complexity of the research object and the interest to take in account the contexts. <p>In starting we developed a preliminary model of the intermediate health level in relation of the health district after literature review. The whole thesis is articulated on 5 studies. The two first studies targeted (i) the practices and the logics of primary health care implementation during the 30 last years in RDC and (ii) the act ors representations role of the intermediate health level in DRC. The three following studies were about the intermediate health Level of the sanitary system respectively in (iii) Kinshasa and (iv) of the North Kivu health provinces and on (v) the decision making process in the North Kivu health province. The study about the practices and the logics of primary health system implementation in RDC has been led by triangulation of interviews and documentary data analysis. The actor representations study on the intermediate health level role in RDC, has been led by inductive analysis of key informants interviews data. The two retrospective studies on the intermediate health level in Kinshasa (1995-2005) and in the North Kivu (2000-2008) provinces have been led by triangulation of interviews and documentary data and the routine health data analysis. Finally, the study on the decision making process at the intermediate health level in North Kivu province (2008-2010) resorted to 5 sources of data of: the interview of 10 health provincial staffs, 5 focused groups of health district staffs, the documentary data ,the routine health data analysis and participating observation data. <p>The preliminary model has been revisited as a temporary model of the intermediate health Level after the inter-sites analysis of the two retrospective case studies. The temporary model has been improved in light of the results of the decision making process study. On basis of the improved model and the results of an action-research led to the North Kivu and the Oriental Kasaï, we proposed a new design organization of the intermediate health Level in RDC. <p> Results <p>The study on the 30 years of the primary health care in RDC revealed that to the course of the first decade (1980-1989), the intermediate health system Level (IHSL ) played a symbolic role in RDC. It has been limited by the insufficiency of the human and material resources. In these conditions and facing effective health districts it confined itself into control functions and administrative state authority representation. <p>The analysis of the informants representations of the IHSL role showed a temporal variability of the in support the health district during the 30 years of the primary health care implementation in RDC. The high health human resources brain-drain in the beginning of the decade 90, the increasing humanitarian emergencies and vertical programs created the need of a more important health district support. According to the resources availability, the quality of the health human resources at IHSL and interactions with the other actors, the IHSL support to the health districts was variable in the time and according to the DRC provinces. This study put in evidence two poles of underlying models of the IHSL in RDC: a controls model in beginning to a more subsidiary model operating in some provinces. Between these two poles of model, we classify the intermediate structures in RDC according to the provinces. <p> The retrospective case study 1 illustrated the model evolution of the IHSL partially for the province of Kinshasa. We observed a reconfiguration of the IHSL from 1995 to 2005: the IHSL moved from a mainly bureaucratic structure to a more organic structure (hybrid mechanistic-adhocratic). This structure change operated itself together with a more managerial logic the provincial heath system piloting, regulation as well as in the health district support. In these conditions, the health district performances were improved in health coverage cover and health service use domains, but few improvements for health services quality. These performances have been improved in a context marked by stationary outside health district financings (0,5Usd/inhabitant/year) and an improvement of financings, expertise and work tools at Kinshasa IHSL. <p>For the North Kivu province (from 2000 to 2008) (Case study 2), although confronted to recurrent socio-political unrests, the IHSL developed some practices that adapt the national health strategies to the provincial realities. This study showed better coordination of partner interventions and allowances of resources, better integrated activities at health district level and reinforced health district staff expertise. These practices came with health district performances in some domains: health infrastructure coverage, essential medicines provision, heath system information, the preparation to the emergencies, heath services use and quality. These performances have been improved in the North Kivu health province with modest financings of the IHSL (0,06Usd/inhabitant/year). <p>The decision making study in North Kivu IHSL from 2008 to 2010 (case study 3) showed some processes (i) of IHSL opening to other actors, (ii) of mutual backing of expertise, and (iii) of backing of health districts resources and staff expertise. Although needs for more of professionalism at IHSL have been felt, the analysis of these processes put in evidence a mutual training dynamics and adaptive governance at the North Kivu IHSL. This dynamics yet contributed to maintain, to acceptable levels, the health districts performances in an unsteady context from 2008 to 2010. <p>The inter-sites analysis of the Kinshasa IHSL data (1995-2005) and the North Kivu IHSL data (2000-2008) showed two different contexts, but all dynamic, unsteady and both characterized by complex demands to which the IHSL had to respond in the 2 provinces. This analysis revealed some organizational modifications (addition of adhocratic and professional component to the mechanistic bureaucracy structure) and the adaptive and socio-technical and logistics support functions to the health districts. These functions integrated the subsidiarity principle. In these conditions, the health district performances were improved. These organizational modifications and the exercise of the functions described above have been pronounced to the North Kivu more. This analysis showed, on the one hand, the relevance of an adhocratic dimension in the IHSL configuration and the exercise of the adaptive and socio-technical and logistics health districts support functions; on the other hand, this analysis showed the interest to integrate the subsidiarity principle in the implementation of these functions, to reinforce the health district performances. On basis of these elements, our IHSL preliminary model has been modified while integrating the subsidiarity principle of in the implementation of the adaptive functions and health district support, what drove us to propose a temporary model of the IHSL in RDC. <p>The Decision Making process study in the IHSL of North Kivu province (from 2008 to 2010) showed an organizational opening dynamics to the other actors in the decision making. This dynamics included processes of individual and collective training, permitting to adapt the governance of the health system to the contexts. This analysis also put in evidence the interest of an adaptive professionalism at the IHLS. On basis of these elements, our temporary model of the IHSL was improved by the interest (i) of an adhocratic-professionnal structure component and an organizational training at the IHLS to reinforce the health district performances. Our temporary model of the IHSL has been improved while integrating an adhocratic-professional component to the mechanistic-bureaucratic configuration of departure of the NISS as well as the organizational training principle in the exercise of its functions and the interaction with the health districts. <p>These elements on the improved model are central to the new IHSL design organization proposed for the RDC in this health system research. Pushing us on the elements of the model improved of the IHSL and on the results of a multidisciplinary team action-search led and to which we participated in the North Kivu and the Kasaï Oriental provinces, we proposed a IHSL design organization in based RDC on four professions: (i) the support to the health districts (zones), (ii) information, communication and research, (iii) the inspection and the control, and (iv) the Management of resources. <p>Conclusions: <p>The intermediate health system Level (IHSL), of which the adhocratic-professional component is integrated to the mechanistic-bureaucratic configuration basis, is more minded to exercise the adaptive functions and socio-technical and logistic health district support functions. These adaptive functions contribute to a suppler governance, open to the confidence and to the actors synergies as well as to the creativeness in the action. The IHSL so reconfigured and implementing these functions, while integrating the principles of subsidiarity and organizational training, constitute an applicable lever of backing of the health district performances in RDC. The new organization design proposed and based on this organization model is articulated on four professions: (i) Support to the health districts (zones); (ii) health Information, research and communication; (iii) Inspection and control; (iv) Management of resources. This new organization design includes some implementing challenges nevertheless in RDC, of which those bound to the change of the actors logics. <p>The IHSL model proposed can prove to be useful in similar contexts of the vast countries, confronted to critical or post critical situations and to lack communications, but interest to reinforce the health districts performances.<p> / Doctorat en Sciences de la santé publique / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

This thesis is an investigation into the socio-economic constraints that influence the decisions of tuberculosis sufferers in the health seeking process and therapeutic management of tuberculosis in Grahamstown, the Eastern Cape. It is shown that structural violence influences experiences and perceptions of tuberculosis at all levels. Management of tuberculosis in the formal health sector is explored at local levels and related to national and global strategies of health care. The role of health workers, and particularly voluntary health workers, is explored and it is shown that they work within a context of growing burden of sickness and co-infections and a lack of government commitment to deal with increasing TB and HIV incidences. Kleinman’s notion of explanatory models is explored and it is evident that although knowledge of the aetiology of tuberculosis is well-known to patients and general members of the communities, they are nevertheless victims of increased stigmatisation and marginalisation as a result of illness. The importance of social support in curing tuberculosis is explored using Janzen’s concept of therapy managing groups. Social capital is a fundamental component in adhering to biomedical therapy, but is commonly weak among the structurally poor. The availability of temporary social grants for people living with TB influences health seeking behaviour. In a context of structural poverty the sick are faced with what Nattrass terms “perverse incentives”, having to choose between the right to health and the right to social security, both guaranteed in the South African Constitution, for him/herself and dependants. Although adherence to biomedical therapy is essential in curing tuberculosis, it is shown throughout this thesis that ignoring wider structural causes of disease limits the patient’s ability to get well. The ethnography shows that the right to health is a social and economic right which is not the reality for most South Africans.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients were satisfied with midwifery services rendered at the two Community Health Centres in the Eastern Cape Province.The study sites were Empilweni Gompo and Nontyatyambo Community Health Centres. Descriptive quantitative study design was employed, using a questionnaire with closed and open ended questions as the data collecting tool. Likert Scale was used to measure the following variables: quality care variables to measure level of satisfaction with midwifery services rendered and to determine positive and negative perceptions regarding quality of care received during antenatal, labour and postnatal period. Non-random convenience sampling of sixty pregnant women, thirty from each Community Health Centre, with two or more antenatal subsequent visits and forty postpartum women, twenty from each health facility, six hours after delivery if there were no complications. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=60 (100 percent) agreed that individual counseling and importance of HIV testing was explained.The majority of participants n=53(88 percent) disagreed that they were educated about focused antenatal visits. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=41(68 percent) agreed that delivery plan formed part of their ANC visits and n=18 (30 percent) disagreed. Of the 60 participants interviewed n=11(18 percent) agreed that they were told that they had the right to choose labour companions and n=48 (80 percent) disagreed.Out of 60 participants interviewed n=23 (38 percent) stated that they waited a long period of time without being attended to by midwives. In general, the study revealed high satisfaction level with intrapartum and postnatal care due to functional accessibility of both Community Health Centres. Both health centres delivered normal healthy babies and mothers. However, the participants were dissatisfied with antenatal care rendered at the two facilities. The researcher’s recommendations were based on the closing of gaps that were identified with regard to the implementation of Basic Antenatal Care; birth companions: health education deficiency; community involvement and participation.

The purpose of this research project is to report on a comprehensive organizational audit of the Urgent Care Service of Desert Valley Medical Group in Victorville, California.

The purpose of this study was to gain information about the community health care needs through a comprehensive assessment. This information will allow providers to identify services and groups of people where the biggest gap exists in receiving needed health care services. This may provide the basis for the design of an advanced practice preventative health intervention for the community.

This study examines the role of Community Based-Organisations (CBOs) in the response to HIV/AIDS as a development challenge drawing examples from the Gabane Community Home-Based Care CBO in Botswana. The study adopted qualitative methods of research and used group discussions, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study found out that HIV/AIDS is indeed a development problem and that it can be dealt with using some existing development approaches such as the sustainable livelihoods approaches. The study further identified specific roles that CBOs play in the response to HIV/AIDS. It also revealed the potential that CBOs have in achieving development. In addition, the study identified and outlined challenges that CBOs face in responding to HIV/AIDS. Key recommendations are that CBOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities. They must also form coalitions and strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. / Development Studies

MPH / Department of Public Health / See the attached abstract below

MPM / Department of Public Health / The dawn of democracy in 1994 saw huge strides in the adjustment of various statutory instruments that aimed at opening the systems to all South Africans particularly the previously excluded groups. Health care system was one of the ear marked areas by the South African government for post-apartheid transformation. Resultantly, access to health care was declared a right and incorporated into the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996. Numerous legislative and practical steps towards achieving access to health care for all have been made with notable results. However, due the apartheid spatial planning which persuaded separate development left some sections of the community remote and with no infrastructure to support health care delivery. As a result, this has made the realization of the health care for all dreams elusive. Reportedly, the most affected communities were mainly homelands which were largely rural and townships. Despite notable improvements in the delivery of health care services across the Republic, there are still major challenges faced in this sector mainly in the rural areas and townships. Therefore, the study was set to investigate and evaluate the state of health care service delivery in rural Ndengeza Township. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative method following a descriptive design (cross-sectional) and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and interview questions. The results revealed that transport, staff-patient relationship, unavailability of medication and medical staff were the major challenges of health care service delivery in rural areas. The respondents alluded that to improve health service delivery in the area, there is need to make available basic medication and trained medical personnel. It is believed, by the participants, that adding the number of staff will go a long way in changing the negative perceptions such as long queues, unavailability of critical services and unprincipled professionals that the public have of the local health care centers / NRF

The purpose of the study was to describe and explore the provision of quality care in the primary health care clinics of Limpopo within the framework of the Batho Pele principles' service standards by determining the level of implementation of these principles. The aim was to improve compliance with the Batho Pele principles. The researcher conducted a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study in four selected primary health care clinics. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires for interviews and observation. Two groups of respondents participated in the study, namely patients (n=185) and nurses (n=21). The study highlighted the level of implementation of the Batho Pele principles in four primary health care clinics in the Capricorn District, Limpopo. The findings revealed that the Batho Pele principles were regarded as important criteria to assess quality care. Recommendations were made to improve the level of implementation of some of the principles. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of the study was to describe and explore the provision of quality care in the primary health care clinics of Limpopo within the framework of the Batho Pele principles' service standards by determining the level of implementation of these principles. The aim was to improve compliance with the Batho Pele principles. The researcher conducted a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study in four selected primary health care clinics. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires for interviews and observation. Two groups of respondents participated in the study, namely patients (n=185) and nurses (n=21). The study highlighted the level of implementation of the Batho Pele principles in four primary health care clinics in the Capricorn District, Limpopo. The findings revealed that the Batho Pele principles were regarded as important criteria to assess quality care. Recommendations were made to improve the level of implementation of some of the principles. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)