Social Accountability in the Health Sector: Toward Conceptual Clarity to Public Social Services Delivery in Chamwino District, Tanzania

Abstract

The study analyzes the contribution of social accountability to public social service delivery. Its rationale was drawn in the aspect of human endeavor for the realization of human rights and capabilities. Although, accessibility and satisfaction of social services depend on a number of variables, however, citizens’ capability to demand accountability is central. Thus, the study meant to examine the role of social accountability in health sector. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the level of the health service users’ participation on the social accountability in public health service delivery; and explore the factors influencing social accountability to public health service users. The study findings reveals that there is significant relationship between social accountability and public health service delivery, and thus making it crucial determinant of health sector performance at primary health facility levels. The theoretical and practicability values of the study make its results authentic in understanding the existing relationship between social accountability and public social service delivery. This understanding can promote citizens’ participation, accountability and transparency. The study therefore, recommends that social accountability is a vehicle towards improved public service delivery.

Keywords: social accountability, public social service, health service, citizens’ participation, capabilities