Influence of Community Financing Health Insurance Schemes On In-Patient Care In Ghana: The Case Of Nkoranza Scheme

Abstract

With the introduction of “cash and carry” system in the health sector in Ghana in 1985, it became difficult for many people to afford orthodox health care.  In Nkoranza district, this problem manifested itself in low attendance of in-patient care (admissions) at St. Theresa’s Hospital (the only hospital in the district, a Catholic hospital).  In addition, some of the patients who were hospitalised absconded after treatment because they could not afford to pay their medical bills.  Consequently, in 1989, at Catholic Diocesan Health Committee (DHC) meeting at Sunyani, it was suggested that a community financing health insurance scheme be established in the district in order to reduce the hardship of the people in seeking in-patient treatment.  The scheme was launched and became operational in 1992.  The objectives of this study was to examine the impact of the scheme on in-patient healthcare services at the health facility in the district.  It became evident from the study that insured in-patient attendance at St. Theresa’s Hospital from 1992 to 1998 increased with the scheme, constituting 52% of total admissions within the period.

Keywords: cash and carry system, community financing health insurance, patronage, impact, in-patients