Understanding Perceptions of Economically Disadvantaged: Critical Determinants for Effective Health Services in Punjab

Introduction: With an emphasis on identifying crucial factors that affect hospital operations' efficacy, this study explores the opinions and experiences of Punjab's economically deprived inhabitants on hospital services.Method: A mixed-methods approach is followed that included a sample of 730 out patient department (OPD) as well as in patient department (IPD) patients.The economically disadvantaged patients were identified, using the criteria of NCAER-2012, from public and private hospitals of selected 8 districts of Punjab is considered for this study.Result: The factor "Patient Centric Environment", "Economical and Prompt Services", "Specialized Services", "Adequate Infrastructure and HR", "Quick Service Delivery", "Accommodating Amenities in Hospital Premises' along with the demographic variable "Monthly Income of Family"are found to be significant at 1 per cent level, whereas demographic variables "Type of Hospital" and "Facility accessed by Patient" are significant at 5 per cent.Discussion: Results show that systemic neglect and operational inefficiencies have a major influence on satisfaction in these communities and shape the healthcare experiences of the underprivileged population.The report offers a number of doable suggestions for enhancing policy alignment, resource allocation, and patient participation.This study emphasizes the pressing need for inclusive, equity-driven changes in Punjab's hospital operations to improve service quality and health outcomes by bringing to light the lived experiences of the underprivileged.Originality: To the best of our knowledge and belief, this research study contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the paper itself.