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Catastrophic burden of out-of-pocket maternal healthcare payments in Ghana's free health policy - P4H Network

Catastrophic burden of out-of-pocket maternal healthcare payments in Ghana’s free health policy

This peer reviewed article examines out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for maternal healthcare in Ghana despite the free maternal healthcare policy introduced in 2008. Using data from 414 mothers in two regions, the study measures the catastrophic effects of these payments and identifies their correlates. Findings show that OOP payments remain significant, with non-medical costs comprising a large portion. Higher OOP costs were observed for deliveries compared to antenatal and postnatal care. Rural areas and private facility care were linked to lower catastrophic expenditure, while tertiary education increased the likelihood. The study calls for policy reforms to include non-medical supplies in Ghana’s maternal healthcare benefits.

 

Reference
Kennedy A. Alatinga, Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro, Edmund Wedam Kanmikid, Emmanuel Kofi Gyan et al, Burden of out-of-pocket payment for maternal healthcare and its catastrophic effects in the era of free maternal and child health policy in Ghana, SSM - Health Systems, 30 Jun 2024