ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH PLANNING AND SERVICES AS A CLOSE-TO-CLIENT STRATEGY IN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY IN WEST MAMPRUSI DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

The study set out to examine the effectiveness of the Community Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) as a close-to-client strategy in health care delivery within the West Mamprusi District. The study applied a mixed approach and used 195 community members and 24 key informants. The simple random, purposive and convenient sampling procedure was used as sample size for the study. The study found that community perception of the programme is that the compound is a hospital or clinic and hence do not fully understand its operations. It was evident that, CHPS has enhanced access to primary healthcare. The study revealed that, the level of stakeholder participation is generally low as community members are not included in the implementation process. On effectiveness of programme implementation processes, the study found that it was not effective. The CHPS compounds serve as the first point of call in the structure of the health system but the health personnel requirement at the CHPS compounds were inadequate in terms of numbers and technical expertise. The CHPS serves as the first point of call in health care delivery at the community level. Affordability of health care services by the local people is through the use of NHIS cards. The location of CHPS compounds using the zone systems do not effectively serve all communities under the catchment area. In conclusion, the researcher found the implementation of CHPS and the services provided compared to the CHPS national implementation guidance as less effective as a close to client health services in the west Mamprusi Municipality.