Abstract

Investigates the effects of implementing a free healthcare policy on the demand for routine medical services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during an extended Ebola outbreak. The outbreak of the Ebola virus disease not only posed significant challenges to public health but also strained healthcare systems, leading to disruptions in routine medical care delivery. In response to these challenges, the DRC government implemented a free healthcare policy to encourage individuals to seek necessary medical services beyond Ebola treatment. Using a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis of healthcare utilization data and qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and community members, this research aims to assess the impact of the free-care policy on healthcare-seeking behavior during the Ebola outbreak. The quantitative analysis will examine trends in the utilization of routine medical services before and after the policy implementation, focusing on key indicators such as outpatient visits, immunizations, and maternal healthcare utilization. The qualitative component of the study will provide insights into the perceptions and experiences of healthcare providers and community members regarding the free healthcare policy and its influence on healthcare access and utilization. Through thematic analysis, themes related to barriers to accessing healthcare, changes in healthcare-seeking behavior, and the overall effectiveness of the policy will be explored. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing literature on healthcare policy implementation during public health emergencies and provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare stakeholders in similar contexts. Understanding the impact of a free healthcare policy on routine medical service demand can inform strategies to strengthen healthcare systems and improve access to essential healthcare services during crises.