Markets for hospital services in Zambia.
Hospital reforms involving the introduction of measures to increase competition in hospital markets are being implemented in a range of low and middle-income countries. However, little is understood about the operation of hospital markets outside the USA and the UK. This paper assesses the degree of competition for hospital services in two hospital markets in Zambia (Copperbelt and Midlands), and the implications for prices, quality and efficiency. We found substantial differences among different hospital types in prices, costs and quality, suggesting that the hospital service market is a segmented market. The two markets differ significantly in their degree of competition, with the high cost inpatient services market in Copperbelt relatively more competitive than that in the Midlands market. The implications of these differences are discussed in terms of the potential for competition to improve hospital performance, the impact of market structure on equity of access, and how the government should address the problem of the mine hospitals.
Nakamba
Pamela
P
Department of Economics, University of Zambia.
Hanson
Kara
K
McPake
Barbara
B
D002391:Catchment Area, Health / Q000191:economics*; D004465:Economic Competition; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D018166:Health Care Reform; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D017722:Hospital Charges; D016304:Hospitals, Private / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D011057:Politics; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D015024:Zambia