Abstract:
Descriptive cross sectional study was performed at Police Hospital Colombo with the
objective of assessing the morbidity pattern and utilization of medical clinic facilities among
clinic usera of the Police Hospital. A sample of 275 patients with selected non
communicable diseases were selected by systematic random sampling. They were
interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Review of patinets clinic records were carried
out by using a structural observation schedule. Check list was used to check the available
facilities at the clinic. Study population consisted of 72 percent police officers and 28
percent of family members as clinic users. Wives of the police officers used the clinic
predominantly, with compared to the other family members. Majority of the clinic
attendants were males (69 percent) and age of 40-60 years (58 percent). 87 percent of them
were married and majority had educated up to G.C.E. Ordinary level. Majority (91 percent)
had monthly income in between 5001 to 15,000. the most frequent diseases observed were
diabetes (65 percent), hypertension (49 percent) musculoskeletal disorders (19 percent) and
ischemic heart diseases (8 percent). All four diseases were common in 40 to 60 ages.
Around 50 percent of the patients have by passed the health institution closer to their
residence with a view of getting good management at police hospital. Majority of the
patients travel 10-100km to attend the clinic. the majority of senior rank officers (senior
gazetted officers) spent less than one hour to travel and less than one hour in the clinic.
Majority 46 percent had selected the Police Hospital as the service of their health care due to
good management. Majority (65 percent) have not taken health services other than the
Police Hospital for their present illnesses. All the patients attended the clinic were satisfied
with the care received by them. The service providers themselves were satisfied with the
service they provide to the patient, but they suggest improvements in laboratory service,
Pharmacy service, clinic organization and referral system. All facilities available at medical
clinic were at satisfactory level except for laboratory and pharmacy services, which are
needed improvements.
