Cost analysis of a primary health centre in northern India.

BACKGROUND

Cost data are useful in health planning, budgeting and for assessing the efficiency of services. However, such data are not easily available from developing countries. We therefore estimated the cost incurred for the year 1991-92 on a primary health centre in northern India, which is affiliated to an academic institution.

METHODS

The total costs incurred included the capital costs for land, building, furniture, vehicles and equipment as well as the recurrent costs for salaries, drugs and vaccines, diesel and maintenance. Except for land, where the 'opportunity cost' was calculated, the current market rates were considered for all other factors. A discount rate of 10% was used in the study.

RESULTS

A total of Rs 777,015 (US $24,282) was incurred on the primary health centre in the study year, 80% being recurrent costs. Salaries constituted 62% of the total costs. A sum of Rs 30 (US $0.94) per head per year on primary health care was being incurred.

CONCLUSION

Salaries constitute the bulk of the cost incurred on health. Approximately Rs 28 (40%) of the Rs 69 spent per head per year on health services by the Government of India is incurred on providing primary health care services.