A public (government) hospital is a hospital which is owned by a government and receives government funding in order for it to exist and provide its services. In some countries their government hospitals provide medical care free of charge.
In order to make health care available to all, Zambia is dotted with numerous government hospitals. These hospitals are usually multi-specialty hospitals that offer comprehensive medical care under a single roof. Offering a full range of treatments, check-ups and surgeries, public hospitals are a one stop destination for all your health care requirements. They play a key role in urban and rural health by providing professional health care. They also train a significant number of physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel.
Public hospitals are committed to achieving the best health and wellbeing for all. They are responsible for supporting service delivery and shaping the health system in Zambia. Although their main priority remains the same – to treat and care for people who are ill – public hospitals believe that they have a huge potential to improve the health of every person who comes through their doors. Their goal is to deliver affordable quality health care to all.
A private hospital is a hospital which is owned by a for-profit company or a non-profit organization and is privately funded through payment for medical services by patients themselves, by insurers, governments through national health insurance programs and many others.
They offer a comprehensive range of specialties supported by the latest technology and professional expertise. With 24-hour medical cover and the support of accredited visiting medical doctors and specialists, you can be confident of the high quality care you will receive. Private hospitals are fully equipped to provide the highest level of medical care in all fields of medicine. Their aim is to make the visit of any patient as pleasant and comfortable as possible, while also providing them with all the specialised services and facilities necessary for their treatment.
Private hospitals tend to be the preferred choice because they are not as limited in their budget and are known for quality service in which patients receive individual care and attention. Patients also do not have to spend long periods waiting to be seen because the number of patients per doctor is low. The cost of services in these settings tends to be much higher and attracts more of an affluent set of patients.