Student Thesis

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Browsing Student Thesis by Author "Abankwah, John Osei"

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    A feasibility study on health care financing through community Health Insurance Scheme in the Offinso District
    (2002-11-29) Abankwah, John Osei
    Health Care Financing in Ghana has passed through different phases from the colonial era to the present time. Due to rising cost of running health care services the Government of Ghana introduced a policy of cost sharing and cost recovery known as the “cash and carry” system, in 1992. This system of “cash and carry” has greatly been opposed by the general public as it has become a barrier to access to health care, especially by the lower income group, due to its regressive nature. Communities are therefore being encouraged by the Government and NGOs to set up community financing schemes to improve the accessibility to health care. This study provides feasibility to the establishment of community Health Insurance schemes in the Offinso district. The method adopted includes household and patient interviews and qualitative interviews of managers of health facilities and the use of focus group discussions. Results and findings indicate that the non-formal sector of employment predominates over formal sector, therefore payroll deductions for social health insurance would be difficult, however, annual contribution which is made to coincide the major harvest period would be much appreciated. It is also believed that modest premiums charged for health insurance would ensure high enrollment. It was further observed that out-patient charges are quite affordable in the district; therefore insurance coverage should focus initially on in-patient care and other expensive OPD treatments only, while other benefit packages would be determined with time.