Private Sector Provision of Primary Healthcare in Ghana

This research examined how private healthcare providers in Ghana supplement the government in enhancing access and affordable healthcare. It was a comparative study involving two private and two public healthcare facilities in two districts in the Northern Region. The sample size was made up of 92 respondents and the study made use of both quantitative and qualitative data including direct observation. The four health facilities showed steady increases of OPD attendance for seven years. However, the public health facilities recorded large number of total OPD attendance compared with the private. The cost of healthcare was equal in both health facilities, and even the private providers were relatively less costly compared to the public. Also, both providers lack adequate doctors and specialists which impact negatively on access and quality especially in private health facilities. It recommended for an increase in investment into the training of more doctors, professional staff, and nurses as well as increase in the provision of infrastructure and the supply of equipment to help health facilities function well.

Autorentext

Sayibu Ibrahim was born in Nakpali, Zabzugu District of Ghana and married with three children. He had his BA.IDS from the University for Development Studies (2000-2004), Ghana and MA. Political Science from the American University in Cairo (2006-2008), Egypt. Sayibu is currently working in Ghana Education Service.