Developing an implementation strategy for the free health care policy for persons with disabilities at public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2013
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the implementation strategy of free health care policy for disabled
persons at hospital level in KwaZulu-Natal. Since the introduction nationally, in 2003 of free
health care policy for disabled persons, no evaluation has been conducted in KwaZulu-
Natal to inform health service managers and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health on
the implementation of this policy. A provincial implementation strategy is needed for
effective implementation of the policy. To date, no such provincial implementation strategy
is available and the lack of an implementation strategy for this policy motivated this study.
METHODS
An exploratory qualitative study design was implemented to elicit information from health
service providers and representatives of persons with disabilities to inform the development
of an implementation strategy for the free health care policy for disabled persons at public
hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Data was collected through interviews and focus group
discussions. Data was analysed by utilising a thematic approach.
RESULTS
Respondents reported a variety of understandings with regard to policy context of the Free
Health Care Policy for disabled persons, policy content in terms of purpose and eligibility,
policy implementers and their roles in implementing the policy, and the implementation
process of this policy at state hospitals of KwaZulu-Natal.
CONCLUSION
There is limited understanding of the Free Health Care Policy among some health service
personnel and some disability groups, and this may have contributed to the erratic and poor
implementation of the policy at public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Factors necessary for
policy implementation such as a communication strategy, guidelines for implementation,
assessment of availability of resources, training of implementers, monitoring and evaluation
strategy are crucial for effective implementation of any policy including the Free Health
Care Policy for disabled persons.
Description
Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.
Keywords
Medical care--KwaZulu-Natal--Cost control., People with disabilities--Care--KwaZulu-Natal., People with disabilities--Government policy--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Public health.