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World Journal of Surgery
Published in: World Journal of Surgery 9/2017

Open Access 01-09-2017 | Original Scientific Report

Cost-Effectiveness of Two Government District Hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors: Caris E. Grimes, Rebekah Law, Anna Dare, Nigel Day, Sophie Reshamwalla, Michael Murowa, Peter M. George, Thaim B. Kamara, Nyengo C. Mkandawire, Andrew J. M. Leather, Christopher B. D. Lavy

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 9/2017

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Abstract

Background

District hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa are in need of investment if countries are going to progress towards universal health coverage, and meet the sustainable development goals and the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery time-bound targets for 2030. Previous studies have suggested that government hospitals are likely to be highly cost-effective and therefore worthy of investment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the inpatient logbooks for two government district hospitals in two sub-Saharan African hospitals was performed. Data were extracted and DALYs were calculated based on the diagnosis and procedures undertaken. Estimated costs were obtained based on the patient receiving ideal treatment for their condition rather than actual treatment received.

Results

Total cost per DALY averted was 26 (range 17–66) for Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi and 363 (range 187–881) for Bo District Hospital in Sierra Leone.

Conclusion

This is the first published paper to support the hypothesis that government district hospitals are very cost-effective. The results are within the same range of the US$32.78–223 per DALY averted published for non-governmental hospitals.
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Metadata
Title
Cost-Effectiveness of Two Government District Hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors
Caris E. Grimes
Rebekah Law
Anna Dare
Nigel Day
Sophie Reshamwalla
Michael Murowa
Peter M. George
Thaim B. Kamara
Nyengo C. Mkandawire
Andrew J. M. Leather
Christopher B. D. Lavy
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-017-4007-6

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