Abstract

Objective: To determine the views of patients regarding services provided by Basic Health Units (BHU) of Larkana, Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2011 at 22 BHUs of Larkana district. Universal sampling type was used as we had taken all the BHUs of Larkana district. A pretested questionnaire was used. Every BHU was visited in morning hours and interviews were taken from patients in regarding services provided by BHUs. Results were then analyzed by using SPSS version 12.
Results: In 82.6% cases, BHUs were easily approachable; doctors were almost available in all BHUs except 5%. In 3.08% of the BHUs, doctors asked for personal fees from the patients. Almost all the patients (98.8%) were satisfied with the behavior of the doctor, almost all of the patients (96%) preferred BHUs as compared to other health facility for seeking medical advice.
Conclusion: People prefer to use BHUs for seeking medical treatment and almost all patients were satisfied with the behavior of doctors but very few doctors who are still charging personal fees at BHUs, which should be discouraged.

Key words: Health care system, patient satisfaction, basic health unit.