Minimizing Wait Times in the Rwandan Public Health System

Abstract

Long wait times and delays in public hospitals are one of the most pressing challenges that the Rwandan health system faces. Efforts such as increasing investment in the healthcare sector and developing best practices guidelines for hospitals have been employed by the Rwandan government to address the issue. This thesis explores a different avenue. We study how enhanced hospital-patient assignment policies can improve the productivity of the system and lead to shorter wait times. To achieve this, we take on an experimental approach based on computer simulation. We advocate for a parametric preference-based assignment policy and show that it strikes a desirable balance between reducing wait times and satisfying patients' preferences. Finally, we put forward recommendations regarding the implementation of the preference-based assignment policy.