COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS ON THE PROVISION OF QUALITY HEALTH CARE IN GHANA: THE CASE OF KASSENA-NANKANA MUTUAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

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.