L Makuwaza1, C Musarurwa, Zar Gomo. 1. Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the cost per test for selected clinical biochemistry tests at Parirenyatwa Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe. DESIGN: A retrospective study for the month January 2003. Cost analysis was based on a 'bottom-up' micro cost analysis technique. SETTING: Parirenyatwa Central Hospital Laboratory. RESULTS: There was wide variation between the cost of performing a test and the hospital fee schedule offered in payment. The greatest variation was obtained for low frequency tests and direct consumables accounted for 61.2% ofthe total costs. CONCLUSION: Laboratory tests are heavily subsidized and there is need to contain the escalating costs by adopting some aggressive cost recovery measures. Introduction of systematic teaching of health economics in the colleges of health sciences is also advocated.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the cost per test for selected clinical biochemistry tests at Parirenyatwa Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe. DESIGN: A retrospective study for the month January 2003. Cost analysis was based on a 'bottom-up' micro cost analysis technique. SETTING: Parirenyatwa Central Hospital Laboratory. RESULTS: There was wide variation between the cost of performing a test and the hospital fee schedule offered in payment. The greatest variation was obtained for low frequency tests and direct consumables accounted for 61.2% ofthe total costs. CONCLUSION: Laboratory tests are heavily subsidized and there is need to contain the escalating costs by adopting some aggressive cost recovery measures. Introduction of systematic teaching of health economics in the colleges of health sciences is also advocated.
Authors: Wisdom P Nakanga; Priscilla Balungi; Anxious J Niwaha; Beverly M Shields; Peter Hughes; Rob C Andrews; Tim J Mc Donald; Moffat J Nyirenda; Andrew T Hattersley Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-02-28 Impact factor: 3.240