Report of a study into factors affecting staffing levels of health institutions in Matabeleland North

ABSTRACT

There has been marked expansion in health care services' infrastructure in Matableleland North Province since the attainment of independence in 1980 due to the government policy of providing equitable health care services in the country and decentralisation of services and manpower. However; staffing levels of all health institutions have had very little increase and general reluctancy of health workers to work in rural areas was observed. This study was conducted to determine factors contributing to low staffing levels in Matabeleland North and make recommendations. In both urban and rural health instituions it was found that the filling of nurses' posts; according to the Ministry of Health approved establishent; were generally satisfactory ranging from 73 to 100. However the approved established posts for doctors and nurses were unevenly distributed; there were more posts in urban areas. The study also revealed that there was need to expand the current establishment to meet the criteria of 1983 manpower projection. Two focus group discussions were held; one with urban based and the other with rural based health workers. [abstract terminated]