TheHealthReport25: Health and wellness in Ghana: A Comprehensive overview with a focus on health insurance

The Health and Wellness Value Chain in Ghana

Ghana's health and wellness ecosystem consists of several key areas. Each area plays a vital role in the population's well-being. The healthcare system offers services from preventive care to rehabilitation. Both public and private sectors support these services.

Prevention and Wellness in Ghana

Preventive healthcare relies on public health campaigns and community services. Despite infrastructure challenges, education on healthy lifestyles is common. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers preventive services like immunizations and antenatal care. However, only 40% of rural residents are enrolled compared to 65% in urban areas (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021).

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension are rising due to poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Campaigns like “Healthy Living, Healthy Life” promote exercise, balanced diets, and reduced sugar intake. These initiatives are mainly government-led but also supported by NGOs.

Ghana has made progress in vaccination programs through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This program ensures infants receive vaccines against diseases like measles and polio. Successful mass vaccination campaigns highlight the importance of prevention in national health planning.

Primary Healthcare Services in Ghana

Primary healthcare is often the first point of contact for Ghanaians seeking medical attention. Various health facilities exist, including Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.

CHPS compounds serve as decentralized health posts providing essential services. They offer maternal care, family planning, and treatment for common ailments. In rural areas with limited access to healthcare, CHPS centers play a crucial role by providing immunizations and health education.

The Ministry of Health collaborates with NGOs to organize free health screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels at community locations like churches or markets.

Secondary and Tertiary Care in Ghana

For specialized medical care, secondary and tertiary facilities provide comprehensive services concentrated mainly in urban areas.

Teaching hospitals like Korle Bu in Accra offer specialist services such as oncology and cardiology. With increasing cancer cases, organizations like Breast Care International focus on early detection awareness. Late-stage diagnoses contribute to a high mortality rate of 60% (Ghana Health Service, 2022).

Private healthcare providers significantly contribute to secondary and tertiary care but cater primarily to higher-income groups. Facilities like Trust Hospital offer advanced diagnostic services but can be costly without insurance.

Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care in Ghana

Rehabilitation is becoming increasingly important due to NCDs and road accident injuries.

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has a physiotherapy unit for recovery from strokes or surgeries. NGOs also provide rehabilitation services for individuals with physical disabilities.

Chronic diseases such as diabetes require ongoing management efforts from organizations like the Ghana Diabetes Association. Over 2.4 million Ghanaians have diabetes; however, only 30% adhere to treatment due to costs (Ghana Diabetes Association, 2023).

Health Insurance in Ghana

Health insurance is crucial for improving access to healthcare while reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Two main types dominate: the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Private Health Insurance (PHI).

The NHIS was introduced in 2003 aiming for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It has increased access for many Ghanaians, especially low-income households.

Individuals pay premiums based on income levels for various covered services at public facilities. However, challenges include long waiting times and limited service coverage—like cancer treatments not fully covered under NHIS.

Private health insurance has grown alongside Ghana’s middle class but remains expensive compared to NHIS premiums.

Public Education on Health Insurance

Educating Ghanaians about health insurance benefits is essential for broader coverage awareness.

Many people do not understand how insurance works or its advantages. Public education should focus on simplifying the NHIS renewal process since many lose coverage annually due to non-renewal issues.

Additionally, explaining what NHIS covers will help policyholders understand when they may need extra private coverage.

Challenges Facing NHIS

Several challenges affect the NHIS:

Many Ghanaians view illness as spiritual rather than seeking medical help.
Educational materials are often only available in English.
This excludes about 45% of Ghanaians who cannot read English (UNESCO, 2022).

Examples from the Ghanaian Market

Real-life examples show how health insurance impacts healthcare:

Maternal care under NHIS allows women access antenatal services leading to safer deliveries.
Between 2008-2017 maternal mortality rates dropped by 50%, thanks partly to insured women accessing free maternal care.
A corporate executive with private insurance can undergo heart surgery without out-of-pocket costs that would otherwise be unaffordable without insurance coverage.

Conclusion

In summary, Ghana's health value chain includes preventive care through rehabilitation efforts supported by both public and private sectors. While the NHIS improves accessibility for millions of Ghanaians, challenges remain regarding affordability and education about coverage options. Addressing these issues will help move closer toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC) for all citizens.

*By Michael Osei Dickson*
Michael Osei Dickson is an experienced insurance professional with over eleven years in the industry. He currently heads Group Life, Health & Pensions at KEK Insurance Brokers Limited.