The field work for this cycle took place in October and November 1997, in the same 144 sites representing the 15 eco-development regions of Nepal and urban and rural conditions. This service delivery survey was intended to inform efforts to improve services and help the process of involving intended service users in development of key public services. 18,500 households were visited, covering 108,000 people.

Only 12% of households used government health services in the previous month but twice as many used non-government health services, mainly private clinics. Households in urban areas and of higher economic status were less likely to have used government health services, reflecting their greater choice. All the medicines required to treat the condition were available in less than a third of visits to government health services. All users paid a registration fee for government health services and 17% paid for medicines. Less than 10% thought government health services were ‘good’ and a third thought they were ‘bad’.

Three quarters of the households reported holding (owning or renting) some land. Only 3% of households had ever been visited by a government agricultural extension worker and 2% by a non-government extension worker. Households had a low opinion of agriculture and livestock services: two thirds thought they were ‘bad’ and less than 3% thought they were ‘good’. Most farming materials were purchased from local shops. Few households had applied for agricultural loans but most of those who applied had been successful.