HOUSEHOLD PREFERENCES FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: INSIGHTS FROM A SURVEY IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

The coexisting of public and private health care provision implies that the two systems are not perfect substitutes. Previous research from developed countries has pointed out discernable differences, both between the two health care systems and amongst the people utilizing these. Developing countries’ evidence, however, is either missing or lacking. This study therefore examines relative preferences for public and private health care systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A data set, comprising of 76 respondents/patients, is collected through a structured questionnaire. The descriptive analysis of the data set revealed that households prefer economy and qualified medical staff of the public health care system. They however revealed that the most unattractive features of the public health care include absenteeism of staff, prescription of lowquality medicines, and uncleanliness of the hospitals. On the other hand, private health care is preferred because there is no discrimination, and it is generally believed that the system will never compromise on quality to maintain goodwill. It is however perceived that private sector is profit driven and characterized by over-prescription of medicines/treatment. The regression analysis of the data set revealed that education and positive last impression lead to more healthcare demand but distance from the healthcare facility reduces it. Having more male household members and dependents tilted preferences in favor ofpublic health care while being married is associated with a preference for private health care.