Corporate Governance Mechanisms for Sustainable Healthcare Service Delivery in Public Hospitals

Abstract

Poverty alleviation for attainment of the Millennium Development Goals requires an effective public sector that sustainably delivers quality public services consistent with citizen preferences. Hence, focusing on corporate governance mechanisms, this study investigates the influence of corporate governance mechanisms on healthcare service delivery at a local public hospital. Using a qualitative research strategy on a sample of 24 participants representing the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPNCA), Katutura state hospital management, and out-patients, data was generated. ATLAS.ti – 8 software was used for data analysis where patterns and themes were drawn. Study findings include non-functional corporate governance mechanisms, poor monitoring and evaluation systems, ineffectively run secretariate, and lack of corporate governance knowledge among others as key impediments to quality healthcare service delivery. The findings will aid the HPNCA governing council in resolving outstanding governance issues like the composition of council members, council size, and board independence.