Client assessment of animal health care delivery in peri-urban Ghana

Abstract

The study used a questionnaire to assess the delivery of veterinary services as perceived by users in four peri-urban areas in Ghana. Eight hundred and eighty nine respondents were interviewed: 10.7% were cattle farmers, 27.4% were small ruminant farmers, 14.2% were pig farmers, 45.1% were poultry farmers and 2.6% reared various animals on a part-time basis. Most of the animal health needs were either met by the owners (50.4%) or by veterinarians (41.6%). Veterinarians were mainly consulted for advice on animal health, disease diagnosis and treatments. Most respondents (65.7%) had no difficulty in getting help from government services. Higher proportions of interviewees perceived effectiveness, efficiency, service quality, staff attitude and technical competence as 'good' or 'very good'. However, equity and accessibility were thought to be 'fair' to 'very poor', and the cost of drugs was considered expensive' or 'very expensive'. The study identified strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of animal health services in peri-urban Ghana and this information could be used as a basis to improve the overall quality of these services in the future.