Laboratory services in health centres within Amhara region, north Ethiopia.
OBJECTIVE
To identify current problems in laboratory services and elicit suggestions from the technicians aimed at improving the services in health centres within Amhara region, north Ethiopia.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study using a pre-tested questionnaire.


METHODS
Twenty seven health centres in Amhara region, north Ethiopia.


METHODS
Twenty seven laboratory technicians.


RESULTS
Physical facilities were seriously lacking, consisting of only one room in 85.2% of the health centres. Supply of electricity was never continuous. Whereas virtually all the health centres had up to five medical doctors each, laboratory manpower was grossly below the ideal requirement. Over half of the health centres had only one technician each, resulting into heavy workload. Laboratory reagents were insufficient, equipment lacking, and maintenance and repair were not accorded adequate attention. Eighty different tests were offered by the health centres in various combinations. Twenty categories of suggestions were advanced by the respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a great shortage of manpower, equipment, chemicals and other supplies to provide adequate laboratory services in the health centres within the region. Consequently, the laboratories are functioning below capacity.
Kassu
A
A
Department at Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Gondar College of Medical Sciences, Ethiopia.
Aseffa
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A
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*