CONSTRUCTION OF A COMPOSITE QUALITY INDEX FOR HEALTH INSTITUTIONS: AN ECONOMETRIC APPROACH

Abstract

The present study attempts to construct a composite quality index by assessing the availability of quality standards for healthcare services using Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) in all the district hospitals in Haryana and rank them based on the composite quality index for the period 2019-20. Data were collected from all district hospitals using a structured schedule based on IPHS norms and guidelines. The results of the study exhibited that, on IPHS quality standards, 8 district hospitals scored over 70 percent, 11 district hospitals scored between 60-70 percent, and 3 district hospitals scored under 60 percent. The overall mean score was 66.5 percent. Among all (twenty-two) district hospitals, Panchkula ranked first and Charkhi Dadri 22nd. The study concludes that observed quality standards in Haryana's district hospitals do not fully align with required standards for the period under consideration. As health is a state subject, it is time for the Government of Haryana to set its budgetary priorities to provide equitable and uniform healthcare facilities to its entire population.

Keywords: Indian Public Health Standards, Composite Quality Index, Principal Component Analysis, District Hospitals, Haryana.