Determinants of medical care billing and purchasing power of patients in private sector health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The case of the city of Bukavu in the commune of Ibanda
The health structures of the city of Bukavu are endowed with human, materials and financial resources that require adequate management. It is noticed that the assumption of responsibility for the health care of patients constitutes a mode of financing to face multiple charges and to make each hospital function (polyclinics and hospital centres as well as health centres). This research is conducted in order to critically analyse the billing method, the reasons for the increase in billing and the quality of care provided to patients. The cost of living linked to the purchasing power of each household, especially after the covid 19 period, leads to the choice of hospital where to be treated in case of illness, with regard to the specialities available but also with regard to the billing and the care of the patient. The individuals or health staff working in these facilities also face different charges linked to the cost of living in the city of Bukavu, and therefore the manager must be able to pay them fairly in order to ensure their subsistence. Different aspects come into play when charging for medical care in private sector health facilities, including the working tools, the environment and the socio-economic context in which the surrounding population is located.
Key words: Determinants; billing, purchasing power, patients, facilities, hospitals.
