Assessment of the cost of blood investigation component of the antenatal package : a case study in the Monaragala District Sri Lanka

Abstract

Observation of activities , records, returns and discussion and interviewing of key informants using pre structured check list and forms were used to collect data for calculation of capital, recurrent and unit cost of the provider. Pre structured pre tested self administered questionnaire was used to calculate user cost. Non availability of primary data at the cost centers and complexity of services provision were difficulties faced during the study and maximum measures were taken for collection of accurate and reliable data. Since study was limited to the Monaragala District the findings can not be generalized to the county. This study revealed that under utilization of services and unplanned use of resources at cost centers is lead to increase of both provider and user costs. The findings of the study can be used to justify the provision of public health care services to the areas like Monaragala Government expenditure was high and also to make rational decisions for use of resources effectively and efficiently