Description:
This study assessed the extent to which health services delivered through St. Francis
Hospital in Handeni District conform to SA provisions. A descriptive case study
design was used due to its merits of focusing on one unit of study (case-provision of
services according to the terms of SA). Purposive sampling technique was employed
deliberately to reach the entire universe.
Findings revealed that 41(68%) strongly expressed that there is mutual partnership
between the government and the church in the delivery of all health services. 68%
mentioned the government enjoys more as the huge luggage as it‟s now being carried
by the church. Also 100% mentioned Hospital building sharing as the far most areas
in which both parties were involved and 85%% mentioned that St. Francis Hospital
simplified accessibility to health services for both sides at rural communities. Only
12(20%) of the respondents answered that to higher extent the services provided by
St. Francis hospital conform with the SA terms, 28(47%) of the participants
responded that the services provided by this hospital moderately conform, 20(33%)
mentioned that service conform at very low extent, 22% of the participants identified
inadequate medical supplies and equipment by the government as the major
challenge followed by the delays in funds submission on time (19%).
Conclusively; the sharing of roles and responsibilities and available resources has
resulted in increased effectiveness of health services provisions through
complementary measures, coordination and joint implementation, though full of
challenges. This study recommends government to adequately supply medicine,
health equipment, and timely provisions of funds to church health facilities. Service
Board Decisions as a local entity should be strengthened to regulate the
implementation of the terms of the services agreement to increase the extent of
conformity to SA as well as improving the quality of health services in Handeni
district.