Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceived Bangladesh privatized healthcare sector accountability gap.
Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected from 533 patients using services in 45 Dhaka city privatized hospitals. A questionnaire was designed based on 60 patient focus study group and the literature.
Findings - Structural equation modeling provides a comprehensive picture that allows healthcare constructs and accountability to be tested. The goodness-of-fit statistics supported the four factors of professionals, administration and management, legal enforcement, ethics and government, which were significantly associated with accountability. Despite Bangladeshi privatized healthcare growth, the study revealed that accountability mainly depends on government initiatives and effectively implementing existing laws.
Research limitations/implications - The study covered one Bangladesh city (Dhaka) owing to resource constraints. Qualitative methods may have enriched the findings.
Practical implications - The accountability dimensions may be applicable to other countries to examine the perceived accountability gap. The study looked at the current Bangladesh privatized healthcare sector. Major issues of Bangladesh privatized healthcare accountability are discussed and recommendations for policymakers are suggested to improve the current circumstances.
Originality/value - The study is the first of its kind to examine accountability among privatized healthcare providers in developing countries. Patients' accountability views require urgent attention from policy makers.