Users of public hospitals, in both urban and rural areas, were poor relative to
users of private hospitals. Median expenditures per day were much higher at
private than at public facilities. Most respondents using public facilities (in both
urban and rural areas) were able to pay out of their savings or income; or by
borrowing from friends, family or employer. Those using private facilities were
more likely to report selling land or other assets as the primary source of coping
(particularly in rural areas) and they were more likely to have to borrow money
at interest (particularly in urban areas). Poor individuals who used private
facilities cited as reasons their closer proximity and higher perceived quality of
care