By Elizabeth PUNSU
The health of a nation is the foundation upon which its future is built. Without the well-being of its people, no prosperity can truly be sustained. Healthy citizens are the cornerstone of a nation’s strength, resilience and long-term prosperity.
As Ghana marks 68 years of independence, its healthcare system remains a major concern for citizens. A sound mind and good health are essential for individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Despite some progress over the decades, significant challenges persist in the healthcare sector which affect the quality and accessibility of medical services for millions of Ghanaians.
With a population of over 33 million spread across 16 regions, Ghana boasts only five teaching hospitals and a handful of adequately resourced hospitals in some regional capitals. This limited infrastructure underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements in the country’s healthcare delivery.
Ghana spends about 5-6% of its GDP on healthcare, far below the 15% recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This limited funding has a direct impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, which in turn hinders economic growth.
Although approximately half the population is enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), many still face high out-of-pocket expenses… particularly for medications and laboratory tests. These expenses account for about 40% of total health expenditure, pushing households into poverty and reducing their disposable income.
The NHIS, while a significant step toward universal healthcare, faces challenges such as delayed reimbursements to healthcare providers, limited coverage for certain conditions, and financial sustainability concerns. These issues have led to a quiet return of the ‘cash and carry’ system wherein patients are required to pay for services upfront, especially at Out-Patient Departments (OPDs).
Disease burden
Ghana continues to grapple with a high burden of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five.
The situation is further complicated by the recent withdrawal of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) support. During the State of the Nation Address, President John Dramani Mahama highlighted risks posed by the unexpected 90-day pause in USAID services. This pause affects the delivery of medical commodities to regional medical stores and health facilities, particularly in the Upper West, Upper East, Northern and Savannah Regions.
USAID’s support for the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme, including the supply of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) in the Western, Western North and Ahafo Regions, has also been impacted. To mitigate these challenges, the president has directed the Minister for Finance to make immediate financial arrangements in the upcoming budget.
This situation underscores the risks of over-reliance on donor support and the need for sustainable, locally-driven solutions to healthcare challenges.
This funding gap also affects the ability to maintain facilities, purchase essential equipment and hire sufficient staff, further exacerbating challenges in the sector.
Access to quality healthcare: A tale of two realities
Access to healthcare in Ghana is uneven, with rural communities bearing the brunt of disparities. Many rural areas lack basic healthcare infrastructure, forcing residents to travel long distances for medical attention. In contrast, urban centres, though better resourced, face overcrowding in major hospitals due to the influx of patients from underserved regions.
Compounding this issue is the mass migration of healthcare professionals. Over the past four to five years there has been a surge of doctors and nurses leaving Ghana, searching for better opportunities abroad. According to the Ghana Human Development Report, 24% of trained nurses and 50% of trained doctors have left the country due to poor working conditions.
The report, authored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), warns that the health sector is in a precarious state. Without immediate policy interventions and pragmatic measures, the system risks a total shutdown.
Infrastructure and Equipment
The migration of healthcare professionals is not the only challenge. Many healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, lack essential equipment, medicines and infrastructure. Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, which serve as primary care centres in rural communities, often struggle with outdated or insufficient medical tools.
This lack of resources has led to overcrowding in urban hospitals, where patients from rural areas flock in search of better care. The strain on these facilities affects the quality of service delivery and exacerbates the already dire situation.
A call to action
Therefore, as the theme for this year’s Independence Day says ‘Reflect, Review and Reset’, Ghanaians are requesting the following to be paramount on the agenda.
- Increased government investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce training.
- Expansion and improvement of the NHIS to ensure broader coverage and financial sustainability.
- Strengthening primary healthcare systems to ensure equitable access across urban and rural areas.
- Enhanced focus on preventive care and public health education to reduce the burden of both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
As Ghana celebrates its 68th independence anniversary, improving healthcare remains a priority for ensuring the well-being and productivity of its citizens. Addressing these issues will require sustained efforts from government, the private sector and international partners.
The journey toward a robust healthcare system is long, but with collective action and commitment Ghana can build a healthier, more prosperous future for all its citizens.
