Book Title: Transformative Approaches in Multidisciplinary Research (TAMR)
Chief Editors: Dr. Meenakshi Kujur, and Dr. Hamidun Bunawan
Associate Editors: Mr. Gunjit Singhal, and Dr. Asma Farooque
Co-Editors: Dr. Suresh Kamarapu, and Dr. Souvik Sur
Chapter: 22
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/672/22
Authors: Ms. Shivani Lonkar, and Ms. Madhavi Chinchwade
Abstract
Quality of care and patient safety are critical components of an effective healthcare system. This study examines and compares the standards of healthcare services provided by public and private hospitals, focusing on key dimensions such as accessibility, infrastructure, staff competence, patient satisfaction, and safety protocols. Public hospitals, often funded and managed by the government, play a vital role in providing affordable healthcare to a large population, especially in developing countries. However, they frequently face challenges such as overcrowding, limited resources, and staff shortages, which may impact patient safety and quality of care. On the other hand, private hospitals are generally equipped with advanced medical technologies, better infrastructure, and higher staff-to-patient ratios, leading to improved efficiency and personalized care. Despite these advantages, the high cost of treatment in private hospitals raises concerns about affordability and equitable access. The study highlights differences in infection control practices, medical error rates, emergency response systems, and patient handling procedures between the two sectors. The findings suggest that while private hospitals often perform better in terms of service quality and patient experience, public hospitals remain indispensable for ensuring healthcare accessibility. The study concludes that strengthening policies, improving infrastructure, and implementing strict safety standards in public hospitals, along with regulating costs in private hospitals, are essential steps toward achieving a balanced and efficient healthcare system.
Keywords: Quality of care, Patient safety, Public Hospitals, Private Hospitals, Healthcare Services, Patient satisfaction medical errors
References
- Alumran, A., Almutawa, H., Alzain, Z., & Althumairi, A. (2020). Comparing public and private hospitals’ service quality. Journal of Public Health. This study found that private hospitals are perceived to provide higher quality services compared to public hospitals.
- Camilleri, D., & O’Callaghan, M. (1998). Comparing public and private hospital care service quality. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance. Uses SERVQUAL model and quality indicators to compare hospital performance.
- Tynkkynen, L. K., & Vrangbæk, K. (2018). Comparing public and private providers: A scoping review of hospital services in Europe. BMC Health Services Research. Discusses the balance between public and private healthcare systems.
- Ahmed, S., Abd Manaf, N. H., & Islam, R. (2017). Measuring quality performance between public and private hospitals in Malaysia. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences. Examines quality.