Examining the role of legal instruments in promoting public service ethics in Tanzania: A case study of selected referral hospitals in Mbeya Region

Abstract

This study examined how legal instruments promote Public Service Ethics (PSEs) in public health organisations, where Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH) and Mbeya Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) were the case studies. Literature shows that civil as well as public service reforms involving policy formulation and legislation of laws have taken place, yet the challenge of standards of conduct has remained in public health organisations. Whether the challenge is defects in legal instruments or whether the best practices for promoting public service ethics in health organisations are required is not known. The study employed a qualitative approach with the help of a case study research design. A semi-structured interview, focused group discussion (FGD), documentary review, observation, and questionnaires supplemented each other to collect data from 120 respondents. The study revealed that the promotion of public service ethics in Tanzania is regulated by two main legal instruments that supplement each other. These instruments are the Code of Ethics and Conduct for the Public Service of 2005. From the instruments, health secretaries managed to extract key provisions that promote public service ethics and paste them on the notice boards around the premises of the hospitals for ease of access by employees. The study also revealed that time-saving technology was the first best practice in promoting public service ethics in terms of honesty, loyalty and diligence. The study recommends capacity-building programmes to raise awareness of ethical issues and integrity of public health workers as the means to improve health care service among patients.