Access and Utilization of Public and Private Healthcare Services in Coimbatore District: A Comparative Study

Healthcare access and utilization remain critical determinants of health outcomes in India. This study compares the access and utilization patterns of public and private healthcare services in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 150 respondents—75 who utilized public healthcare facilities and 75 who accessed private healthcare institutions. Respondent profiles, service access, reasons for choice, and satisfaction levels were analyzed. Chi-square tests were applied to assess associations between socio-demographic factors and healthcare utilization. Results show that younger, lower-income, and rural households predominantly use public services, while private services attract urban, higher-income, and educated groups. Service quality, waiting time, cost, and accessibility emerged as critical differentiators. The findings highlight the need for strengthening public health infrastructure and tailoring policies for equitable access.