Addressing facility management issues and challenges common among public health care institutions in a developing country

ABSTRACT

Providing quality facility management services for the health sector poses a great challenge for health facility managers. Given the present condition of the health facilities in public health care institutions (HCIs) in a developing country, it is crucial to know how these HCIs respond to it. This study used survey research design to put up strategies that will help in addressing the issues and challenges related to facility management in the public HCIs in a developing country. A researcher-made structured questionnaire composed of closed- and open-ended questions was used to gather information. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Findings reveal that the common issues and challenges on lack of facilities among public health sectors are mostly stemming from the very limited resources accorded to them as well as with the government procurement procedures. HCIs need to address the common problems through enhancing efficiency and sustainability measures both in the short and long-term, as well as minimizing risks and enhancing green building technologies. These are some of the plausible measures that if being considered and implemented would help confront these issues and thereby help realizing the crucial role of HCIs in providing equitable services to the country.

KEYWORDS:

• Developing country
• devolved healthcare systems
• facility management
• health care institutions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ramiro Z. Dela Cruz

Dr. Ramiro Z. Dela Cruz is an Assistant Professor at the College of Information Technology and Engineering, Pamantasan ng Cabuyao, Cabuyao City, Laguna, Philippines.

Ruth A. Ortega-Dela Cruz

Dr. Ruth A. Ortega-Dela Cruz is an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Governance and Rural Development, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Baños.