An Investigation of Causes of Deterioration for Health Physical Infrastructure Transitioned from Donor to National Management

Maintenance of physical infrastructure transitioned from donor management to national ownership has been a challenge in the health sector leading to a considerable number of physical infrastructure dilapidating to a deplorable state. This study investigated the causes of deterioration for Health Physical Infrastructure Transitioned from Donor to National Management in Zambia. A mixed method approach was adopted for the study. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected through interviews and questionnaires respectively. The findings revealed that there was lack of onsite maintenance technicians in the health centres. Further, that though maintenance plans were in place in most urban facilities as compared to rural health facilities adherence to such plans was hindered due to lack of funding. The study therefore, recommends improved budget allocation for maintenance activities to the Ministry of Health, assigning of qualified maintenance technicians in health centres. Further, that Government should consider having a maintenance policy to achieve sustainability for built assets transferred from donor to national management.