An Analysis of the Impact of Decentralization on Service Quality in the Public Healthcare Sector

Abstract

Decentralization in the public healthcare sector is a critical strategic policy aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing healthcare outcomes. This study aims to examine the influence of decentralization on service quality in the public healthcare sector. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey from 208 patients from government hospitals in a district. However, a significant number of respondents declined to participate due to fatigue and dissatisfaction with the low result-based system of the public healthcare sector. The statistical analysis of quantitative data indicates that both political and administrative decentralization have a positive and significant influence on service quality in the public healthcare sector. The decentralization and service quality in the public healthcare sector is complex and influenced by many factors such as institutional capacity, governance frameworks, and resource distribution. Therefore, policymakers must carefully design and monitor decentralized systems to harness their potential benefits while mitigating risks, ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible, equitable, and of high quality for all citizens.

Keywords

Decentralization, Political decentralization, Administrative decentralization, Service and quality