A Dissertation Submitted in Partial/Fulfillment of the Requirements for Award of Degree of Master of Research and Public Policy of Mzumbe University
The study assessed the role and influence of Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in managing the decentralised health care services. Specifically, the study aimed to: assess the LGA health care services roles, structures and procedures for pregnant women in Dodoma City; examine the quality of health care services provided to pregnant women; assess the roles and influence of Dodoma City Council on management and provision of health care services to pregnant women. The study used case study design. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to get a sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected by semi-structured interview, questionnaire and the documentary review methods. Data were analysed by content analysis and descriptive statistical methods.
The first objective found that the LGA administrative roles are coordination, supervision and monitoring health service delivery between the city council and health centers. The Council Health Management Team was the specific structure from the local government authority. The CHMT approves budget, identifies service delivery gaps, prepares and presents weekly report, identifies shortages observed on health facilities and makes follow-ups on medical officers. Pregnant women adhered to procedures like consulting doctors, take pregnancy test, and seek for the clinical card. The second objective revealed that the quality of service was perceived to be very impressive by 70%, due to quality treatment by doctors and nurses and the presence of prescribed medicines. In the third objective, the study discovered that the Dodoma LGA has a moderate influence by 63% in managing the provision of free health care services to pregnant women. It provided training to pregnant women, inform about reproductive health, campaign against HIV, TB and other diseases through media. In conclusion the LGA plays its roles in administering the provision of free healthcare service for pregnant women. The study recommends for the programme to continue with several improvements on health delivery.