Syed N, Athar R, Khan O F, Shakoor K, Qureshi H, Alam S E.
Self-Expense among outpatient department patients at a Public Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;54(5):270-1.

The aim of this survey was to determine the money the patients have to pay themselves for the management of their illness. Subjects, Methods and Results: The survey was carried out by means of a Questionnaire. Out of a total of 1013 patients, 352, 318 and 234 were from medical, surgical and gynecological outpatient services, respectively. Another 109 were from other services like ENT and Neurology. The gender distribution showed more female patients (714) as compared to males (299). The most common mode of transport utilized by the patients was bus, followed by minibus, coach, taxi and rickshaw. A large number of patients were utilizing the institute`s facilities for investigations, with approximately 96% using laboratory tests and 95% using radiology and ultrasound. Specific tests were done in 61% cases. Time consumed by each patient in the hospital was about 4 hours per day and on an average each patient had 8 visits per ailment. The average expenditure on transport was between Rs 16 - Rs 145. The average expenses for drugs, laboratory tests and specific tests (Thyroid profile, L.F.T, lipid profile etc) were 126, 180 and 320 rupees respectively. This is a short report.

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