Manpower Utilization by Subsidized Family Planning Clinics: An Economic Criterion for Determining the Professional Skill-Mix

Abstract

Government support for family planning services has been growing in recent years as the public became increasingly aware of the benefits. The rapid expansion of publicly subsidized family planning clinics has increased their demand for qualified personnel. But it is questionable whether the clinics are employing the feasible skill-mix that is economically justifiable. The answer based on a sample of 19 clinics has been negative. In 17 clinics the marginal cost per patient of the physicians services was much lower than the corresponding cost of services rendered by the clinics other personnel. This finding based on a small sample should not be considered definitive but in view of the rising cost of services rendered by medical and paramedical personnel it cannot be ignored. A more efficient organization of the clinics resources is likely to reduce the cost of service per patient by increasing the number of patients served without any change in the clinics expenditure.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)