Community Perceptions on the Provision of Quality Health Care in Ghana: The Case of Kassena- Nankana Mutual Health Insurance Scheme

Ka Alatinga,Jj Williams

doi:10.4314/gjds.v11i2.6

Abstract

This paper examines community perceptions on the provision of quality health care in the Kassena-Nankana District in Ghana. The paper examines the relationship between Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the provision of quality health care, given that quality health care is an important determinant of access to health. Using a mixed methods research design, the researchers compared the perceptions of the insured and the uninsured people with respect to their perceived quality of health care received at health facilities. While the results of the household survey suggest that there is no statistically significant difference between the quality of health care received by either the insured or the uninsured, the focus group discussions indicate that the uninsured are attended to more quickly and are given more respect. The results highlight the perception that quality drugs are unavailable. The researchers recommend adequate supplies of good quality drugs to encourage utilisation of health services.Key Words: Community, Perceptions, Quality health care, Ghana, Health Insurance

Highlights

Introduction and BackgroundThe National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana was established by an Act of parliament (Act 650) in 2003, and, passed into law, legislative instrument, LI 1809 in 2004 (Government of Ghana, 2004)
The evaluation is based on the consumer’s or the patient’s assessment or understanding of quality health care focusing on five dimensions: availability and quality of drugs, patient knowledge about the NHIS benefit package, the average time it takes for a patient to be attended to, attitude of health providers (Nurses) towards patients, and the general satisfaction with services that patients receive, as shown in figure 1
The quantitative analysis focused on three of the five dimensions of quality health care – waiting time, provider attitude, and the general satisfaction of patients about the services they received at the health facility

Summary

Introduction

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana was established by an Act of parliament (Act 650) in 2003, and, passed into law, legislative instrument, LI 1809 in 2004 (Government of Ghana, 2004). Williams Community Perceptions on the Provision of Quality Health Care in Ghana health financing policy (Government of Ghana, 2003). The NHIS gives prominence to community/district mutual health insurance schemes in all parts of the country as a vehicle for extending social protection in health to every Ghanaian. By giving prominence to community/ district mutual health insurance schemes, the NHIS seeks to promote community participation and local ownership in the management of the schemes, which will give voice to the local population but will enhance the sustainability of the schemes. The NHIS permits the operation of private and commercial health insurance schemes and citizens may elect to enroll in such schemes (Government of Ghana, 2012)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion