ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTH EMPLOYEES TOWARDS ENTREPRENEURING HEALTH SYSTEM IN ABAKALIKI

Abstract

This study assessed level of knowledge and attitude of health workers towards health entrepreneurship. Historical/descriptive primary and secondary data sources methods were adopted. Likert order structured questionnaire were utilized and data analyzed using percentages, mean, median and range. Results showed as “unencouraging” knowledge of support to policy provision for entrepreneurial involvement (2.64); “inadequate” knowledge of successful health facilities owned by non health workers (2.34). Efforts at health care provision showed “inadequate” (2.22 and 2.62) respectively. Disposition towards policies on entrepreneurial involvement “fairly acceptable” (3.27); “possibility of success” of investors’ involvement (3.27); “willingness to work in” and “possibility of sabotage” (3.09 and 3.57) respectively. Study established the need to enhance deplorable conditions in the health system. As public funds/allocation cannot meet health needs, it becomes needful to explore alternative support avenues. Given appropriate sensitization backed by proper legislation, entrepreneurial foray into health facility provision could be a feasible venture.