The potency of a free maternal healthcare policy in achieving universal health coverage a cross-sectional qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The main focus of Ghana’s free maternal healthcare policy under the national health insurance scheme was to reduce the maternal mortality ratio. Aim: This study aims at ascertaining the potency of this policy in the achievement of universal health coverage in Ghana. Method: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in the Bibiani-Anwiaso-Bekwai Municipality from June to December 2021 among women in their reproductive age (15-49 years) to ascertain how the policy has enhanced women’s access to maternal healthcare thereby facilitating the attainment of universal health coverage. Written informed consent and permission to participate in the study was obtained from each participant. In the case of those under 18 years, consent was sought from their parents/guardians A multistage sampling technique was used to select districts, health facilities and study participants. Focus group discussion and four key informants interviews were conducted among two nurses and two midwives who were selected using purposive sampling. The data obtained from respondent was analysed using content analysis. Results: Generally the women included in this study were knowledgeable about the policy as they recounted that, through the policy, health services they could not afford before are now accessible without any financial constraints. This means that the policy has provided many women and neonates access to maternal healthcare and healthcare in general and therefore has contributed to the attainment of universal health coverage in the municipality. Conclusions: The policy has provided financial access to women in maternal healthcare in particular and healthcare in general. This shows that the policy has a strong potential to contribute to the attainment of universal health coverage in the municipality and the country at large. Therefore, women should be encouraged to subscribe to the health insurance policy