Socioeconomic, Geographic, Institutional Factors Affecting Access to Primary Health Care in Gimboki, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The World Health Organization state that access to primary healthcare is beyond just providing medical treatment services to people. However, the world health organization also states that access to primary healthcare remain a challenge in developing countries. This is mostly the case in rural areas and informal settlements of developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the socio-economic, institutional, and geographic factors that affect access to primary healthcare in Gimboki. For data collection, questionnaires were given to some participants, and the researcher conducted interviews with other participants. According to ZIMSTAT, Gimboki has approximately 700 households and 60 households were selected as a sample for this study. The findings show that the factors that limit access to primary healthcare in Gimboki include irregular supply of necessary medications, high cost of primary healthcare services, long distance to the clinic, and lack of permanent transportation system. Among the recommendations, participants also recommended the purchasing of an ambulance because they consider it as a necessity for smooth referrals. The study concludes that improving healthcare infrastructure, reducing the cost of primary healthcare services, and purchasing an ambulance for smooth referrals are strategies that will help improve access to primary healthcare in Gimboki.