Factors Influencing the Choice of Private Health Care Providers in Uganda

Abstract

This paper examines the factors influencing the choice of private health care providers in Uganda. Although studies indicate that patients are price sensitive, many (63%) Ugandans prefer private health facilities to less expensive government health facilities. This is inconsistent with the government policy of abolishing user fees in government health facilities. Using the 2019/20 Uganda National Household Survey data, a probit regression model was estimated.  The findings show that ownership of health insurance, household welfare and type of employment positively influenced the choice of private health facilities. Distance to the health facility negatively affected the utilisation of private health care providers. Additionally, the sex of the patient and region of residence were significant determinants. There is, therefore, a need for a national health insurance scheme and coordination between public and private health care providers to enable poor and vulnerable patients to visit modern health facilities.