Cost recovery and quality of care in the Congo

The study hypothesized that private facilities can charge higher fees than public facilities because health care is perceived as providing higher quality services. The authors also based conclusions on data that compared pricing practices in rural and urban areas and analyzed patients characteristics in conjunction with their choice of facility. A total of 399 out-patients at 8 health centers were surveyed. Five general topics were addressed in the questionnaire: patient and household identification, socioeconomic information, curative care, patient satisfaction, and payment. Results confirmed the study hypothesis that patients perceive private facilities as providing higher quality care. This perception is likely generated by greater availability of drugs and related medical supplies. In rural areas, patients are willing to pay higher prices for private services. (Author abstract, modified)