Health in Ghana - Healthcare

Healthcare

See also: National Health Insurance Scheme (Ghana), List of hospitals in Ghana, and Optometry in Ghana

In Ghana, most health care is provided by the government and largely administered by the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Services. The healthcare system has five levels of providers: health posts which are first level primary care for rural areas, health centers and clinics, district hospitals, regional hospitals and tertiary hospitals. These programs are funded by the government of Ghana, financial credits, Internally Generated Fund (IGF), and Donors-pooled Health Fund.

Hospitals and clinics run by religious groups also play an important role. There are 172 hospitals in Ghana. Hospitals run by religious groups make up thirty-five percent (35%) of Ghana's health service provision. Collectively they are known as the Christian Health Association of Ghana. Some for-profit clinics exist, but they provide less than 2% of health services.

Health care is very variable through the country. Urban centres are well served, and contain most hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the country. However, rural areas often have no modern health care. Patients in these areas either rely on traditional African medicine, or travel great distances for care. In 2005, Ghana spent 6.2% of GDP on health care, or US$30 per capita. Of that, approximately 34% was government expenditure.