Background of the Study
Strategic resource allocation is crucial in healthcare management, as it determines how resources—financial, human, and technological—are distributed to achieve organizational objectives and improve service delivery (Miller & McKenna, 2023). In the healthcare sector, the effectiveness of resource allocation directly impacts patient care, operational efficiency, and the ability to meet growing healthcare demands. In Yobe State, there is a distinct difference between the operations of public and private hospitals, particularly in the way resources are allocated and managed. Public hospitals are typically constrained by government budgets, regulatory oversight, and public health goals, while private hospitals operate with more flexibility but are driven by profitability motives and market competition (Ola & Buhari, 2024).
Despite the critical importance of resource allocation in healthcare, there is limited research comparing the strategies employed by public and private hospitals in Nigeria, particularly in the context of Yobe State. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining how these hospitals allocate resources, the factors that influence their decisions, and how the allocation strategies impact their operational efficiency and service delivery (Adamu & Lawal, 2025). The findings of this research could provide valuable insights for policymakers and hospital managers in improving resource management practices in both public and private healthcare institutions.
Statement of the Problem
In Yobe State, both public and private hospitals face challenges in optimizing resource allocation, but the approaches they adopt vary significantly due to differences in ownership, funding, and objectives. Public hospitals often experience underfunding and resource shortages, while private hospitals may prioritize profitability over patient care, leading to differences in healthcare outcomes (Aliyu & Ibrahim, 2024). This study aims to compare the resource allocation strategies in public and private hospitals in Yobe State and assess how these strategies affect service delivery, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction.
Objectives of the Study
1. To examine the resource allocation strategies in public and private hospitals in Yobe State.
2. To compare the effectiveness of resource allocation in improving healthcare outcomes in both types of hospitals.
3. To identify the factors influencing resource allocation decisions in public and private hospitals in Yobe State.
Research Questions
1. What are the key differences in resource allocation strategies between public and private hospitals in Yobe State?
2. How do resource allocation strategies affect the quality of healthcare service delivery in public and private hospitals in Yobe State?
3. What factors influence resource allocation decisions in public and private hospitals in Yobe State?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₁: There is a significant difference in the resource allocation strategies between public and private hospitals in Yobe State.
2. H₂: Resource allocation strategies in private hospitals lead to higher operational efficiency compared to public hospitals in Yobe State.
3. H₃: Financial resources and government policies are the most significant factors influencing resource allocation decisions in public hospitals in Yobe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on selected public and private hospitals in Yobe State that have distinct resource allocation strategies. Data will be collected through surveys and interviews with hospital administrators and healthcare professionals. Limitations include the potential reluctance of hospital administrators to disclose financial data and the varying sizes of hospitals, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
• Strategic Resource Allocation: The process of distributing resources (financial, human, technological) in a way that aligns with the goals of an organization.
• Public Hospitals: Healthcare facilities owned and operated by the government, funded through public funds, and aimed at providing affordable healthcare to the population.
• Private Hospitals: Healthcare facilities owned and operated by private individuals or organizations, typically aimed at generating profit while providing healthcare services.