Evaluation of pricing methods and its impact on accessibility to care in public hospitals: Cases of the Makiso and Mangobo General Reference Hospitals from 2019 to 2021

Abstract

Introduction: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are two types of pricing for medical care in hospitals: Flat Rate Pricing and Pricing per Act. This study focuses on the evaluation of pricing methods and its impact on accessibility to care in public hospitals. This study specifically aims to determine the pricing method that allows the GRH/Makiso and the GRH/Mangobo to maximize revenue. Methodology: This is a retrospective analytical study, conducted over a period of three years, i.e. from 2019 to 2021, and which concerned the maximization of revenues in the General Reference Hospitals of Makiso and Mangobo. The documentary analysis allowed us to collect the data and the use of average and percentage calculations made it possible to analyze the data. The comparison of the results was certified by the Chi2 test at the threshold of 0.05. Results: The annual revenues produced by the Pricing per Act at the GRH/Mangobo from 2019 to 2021 are relatively lower than the annual revenues generated by the Flat Rate Pricing at the GRH/Makiso, i.e. respectively, 129,013,100.00 FC, compared to 706,501,460.00 FC. Finally, it is the Flat Rate Pricing which is advantageous for the hospital in being able to maximize revenue. Conclusion: The Congolese State is obliged to finance the health system accordingly to allow public hospitals to operate efficiently. It is therefore up to hospitals to choose the type of pricing that allows them to generate revenue.