Expenditure and productivity : an examination of gammon's law in the Saudi public health sector

Abstract EN

This study aims at examining Gammon's Law of input and output in the main Saudi public health provider, the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Its importance is attested by frequent calls for such a study in professional circles.

No single study of this nature has ever been done in Saudi Arabia.

Data were obtained from the MOH covering the period 1422 to 1426.

Input and output from 1426, and 1422 were compared.

Data were analyzed using SPSS.

The results indicate that Gammon's Law is manifested in the MOH.

Generally, output did not rise as input increased.

A high percentage of the ministry employees hold administrative positions and may not contribute to the main production outcome of the ministry.

These findings concur with those in advanced countries.

The study suggests further examination of Gammon's Law in other public health organizations, with links between productivity and quality of service as well as other output variables.

Some limitations of the study are mentioned and should be taken into consideration.