The role of health unit management committee in health service delivery in Masafu General Hospital, Busia District

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the roles performed by Masafu HUMC, document the facilitating factors for HUMC in performing its roles and the challenges in executing their roles. A case study design using qualitative methods was adopted in undertaking this study. Study participants comprised of HUMC members, Hospital Management staff and Hospital users. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussion. The study found out that HUMC acts as a linkage between the community and health service providers through information exchange by bringing various stakeholders, monitors general administration of the facility, supervises management of unit finances, approves the annual budgets, ensures that annual work plans are drawn and that funds released (i.e., for HC III) have been accounted. Facilitating factors for the HUMC in performing its role found out in this study include the training members undergo, team work, financial support and motivation due to allowances received. Apart from facilitating factors, pertinent challenges faced by the HUMC were found out. These include inadequate financial resources, demoralization due to inadequate facilitation and the “cost” of volunteering on the HUMC especially time. The study recommends increased health financing by local and central government and continued refresher training of HUMC members, and increased facilitation to members to cover their lunch and transport refund.