Health Care Provision and Patients’ Satisfaction with Tertiary Health Facilities in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Health care provision in Nigeria is a concern of all levels of government. Good health is cherished by all and has been exacerbated by advancement in education and technology. Tertiary level health care is a last resort for all health problems. This study examined health care provision and patients’ satisfaction with tertiary health provision in Benin City, Nigeria. The population consisted of clients aged 18 to 68 years who benefited from services provided in a public and a private tertiary health facilities; and health care providers therein. A sample of 170 (80 clients and 90 care providers) provided information. Two questionnaires based on quality of health care and satisfaction with services was used. The analysis carried out involved t-test, percentages, ANOVA, mean and standard deviation. A significant difference was noticed with respect to quality of care in favour of the private institution. Clients in private hospitals were not satisfied with cost of care while those in public hospitals were not satisfied with availability of modern equipment, cleanliness of environment, cost of care and overall time spent in hospital. It was recommended that policy makers should examine ways of establishing partnership between the public and private sector to expand access to quality health services.