Access to healthcare services: a case of refugees living in Kawempe, Kampala City

Abstract

Refugees constitute some of the most vulnerable population in the World. They may be bypassed by development because of discriminative policies, lack of identity, and weak administration systems. This study examined factors affecting access to healthcare services by refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City. The specific objectives were: to assess the status of access to healthcare services by refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City, to assess responses that facilitate access to healthcare services by refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City, to assess the effects of healthcare services on refugees in Kawempe, Kampala City. Exploratory case study design was used, involving mixed research approaches. Semi-structured questions were used to obtain participant experiences about healthcare in Kawempe in line with the study objectives. There were 18 refugee participants and 15 health workers who participated in the study. The statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) was used to precisely organise, analyse data and present standard tabulated descriptive results. Detailed explanations were given for the numerical representation of results. It was found that; Refugees: All refugees accessed healthcare services (100 percent). Healthcare services were relatively affordable (78 percent). Proximity levels were high (94 percent). The quality of healthcare services was high (89 percent). And most refugees went to private healthcare facilities (83 percent). Healthcare Practitioners: Most healthcare practitioners reported high access levels to healthcare services (87 percent). Most healthcare practitioners could not confirm proximity to healthcare facilities (60 percent). The healthcare services were generally affordable (73 percent). The quality of healthcare services provided was high (89 percent). Effective responses were done, involving offering client-centered services (56 percent) were greatest response reported by refugees, and institution of refugee-focused services (33 percent) that ensured refugee-friendliness in care Healthcare practitioners confirmed wellness among refugees (47 percent) while 61 percent of refugees were recovering fully. Refugees accessed healthcare freely in facilities of their choice and effective responses were done to ensure good health and recovery for the sick. In conclusion, refugees accessed all the care and services they needed from both private and public facilities, depending on extent of the case, income levels, and affordability to meet the costs of healthcare.