Management of public hospitals in Waterberg District (Limpopo Province)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There were perceptions that doctors as Medical Superintendents were unable to provide proper financial management of hospitals, thus administrators were appointed to manage hospitals irrespective of qualifications. The aim of the study was to determine how public hospitals are managed in Waterberg district (Limpopo province). METHOD: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 27 hospital managers in the Department of Health Limpopo province, in Waterberg district hospitals. A self -administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, where both descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 27 managers, 59.3% were females 40.7% compared to males. 96.3% of managers reported that they did not correctly implement PMDS and polices on RWOP were not applied. There was no statistical difference in management styles, according to gender (p>.05) and managers had a fair working relationship among themselves. CONCLUSION: According to the study, there is a great need to train hospital managers in management skills and other related policies, and giving them support in terms of resources such as: staffing especially health professionals, financial and working resources.