HEALTH INSURANCE AND ACCESS TO IN-PATIENT HEALTH CARE IN THE UPPER WEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL, WA.

Abstract

The Ghana Health Insurance Scheme is a great attempt by the government of Ghana to make access to health care affordable at least for vulnerable populations in the country. Since its inception there has been higher patronage of health facilities resulting in pressure on the limited facilities. Most often the management of in-patients is called to question. Access to in-patient care arguably, is also influenced by the religious beliefs of patients. Patients from certain religious denominations tend to shy away from being admitted into a health facility. Significant is also the manner in which the time spent by patients before reporting to the facility. This is informed by the response of patients to early reporting. Normally, one will expect to see more in-patients in areas where there is the culture of early reporting than areas where patients delay in reporting to hospitals. This study used bi-varient and multi-varient analyses of qualitative and quantitative data collected using structured and semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to present a clearer picture on how health insurance is promoting or impeding on the quality of care for in-patients, using the Regional Hospital, Wa as a case study. The main findings of the study are that health insurance efficiency or inefficiency has great influence on the number of patients accepting and rejecting admission at the hospital; there is a significant relationship between early reporting at OPD and reduction in the utilization of in-patient health care in the hospital; and culture and religion have very little influence on inpatient care in the hospital. The study makes recommendations for effective c.ommunication both at the Regional Hospital and the Health Insurance Office and strong engagement of religious and traditional authorities to reduce cultural and religious effects on access to in-patient care.