Out-of-Pocket costs, funding cuts threaten maternal health progress in Ghana; experts call for unified action

Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme has made significant policy changes. However, maternal and neonatal health outcomes still face serious challenges.

Out-of-pocket expenses and a lack of qualified health professionals are major barriers.

A joint report by the World Bank and WHO reveals that Ghanaian households pay about 35% of healthcare costs. This statistic undermines efforts for universal health coverage.

Recently, Law and Development Associates (LADA) held a Policy Dialogue for World Health Day. Health experts gathered to discuss maternal and neonatal care. They proposed solutions to ease the burden on families.

Despite the Free Maternal Health Care Policy introduced in 2008, maternal and newborn deaths continue to rise in Ghana.

At the LADA dialogue, Dr. Becky Boakye-Yiadom from NHIA highlighted out-of-pocket payments as a key issue. She emphasized the need for better public awareness of healthcare rights.

"We must ensure women know their entitlements under NHIS," she said. "Many maternal deaths are preventable if we lift the financial burden."

Dr. Catherine Attoh from WHO Ghana also spoke at the event. She called for collaboration among government, civil society, and private sectors. She expressed concern over funding cuts from USAID.

"Now, more than ever, we need strong partnerships to sustain maternal health services," she stated.

Dr. Manuel Abajobir from the African Population and Health Research Centre discussed incentives for service providers. He stressed that transparent data systems can help reduce maternal mortality in Ghana and beyond.

"Investing in MHCR initiatives can significantly improve outcomes," he remarked.

As Ghana aims for Universal Health Coverage, stakeholders agree on several priorities: bridging financing gaps, strengthening healthcare systems, and ensuring equitable access to care.