Challenges and Suggestions to Promote Maternal Service Provision and Utilization Under the Free Maternal Health Policy in Ghana: Perspectives of Health Directors and Facility Managers

Dalinjong, PA; Wang, AY; Homer, CSE

Challenges and Suggestions to Promote Maternal Service Provision and Utilization Under the Free Maternal Health Policy in Ghana: Perspectives of Health Directors and Facility Managers

Dalinjong, PA Wang, AY Homer, CSE

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Publisher:: Springer Publishing Company
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: International Journal of Childbirth, 2022, 12, (1), pp. 4-14
Issue Date:: 2022-03-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Dalinjong, PA
dc.contributor.author	Wang, AY
dc.contributor.author	Homer, CSE
dc.date.accessioned	2022-11-02T01:35:34Z
dc.date.available	2022-11-02T01:35:34Z
dc.date.issued	2022-03-01
dc.identifier.citation	International Journal of Childbirth, 2022, 12, (1), pp. 4-14
dc.identifier.issn	2156-5287
dc.identifier.issn	2156-5295
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/163129
dc.description.abstract	INTRODUCTION: To promote service uptake and reduce maternal deaths, a policy was implemented under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme in 2008. This study explored the benefits and limitations of the policy, health system challenges, and community-level challenges resulting in suggestions to mitigate the challenges. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, utilizing qualitative data collection. It was carried out in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality, Ghana, involving in-depth interviews (IDIs) with directors of Ghana Health Service and facility managers. A total of eight IDIs were conducted. Data were transcribed, read, and analyzed based on themes which were presented using key quotes. RESULTS: The policy promoted the use of services. Nonetheless, challenges existed as a result of limited service coverage, inadequate human resources and infrastructure, lack of medications and equipment, lack of transport, and the influence of religion, culture, and family members. There was a need to strategize so that women with a low socioeconomic status would receive service over those of a high socioeconomic status. Other suggestions included the inclusion of family planning services, accreditation of private facilities, provision of a shift system for specialists to move to rural areas, and provision of incentives for health personnel in rural areas. It was also suggested that health personnel make known their challenges as well as to provide education on women’s rights and service expectations. The provision of transport vouchers to women as well as alternative arrangements to be made with private transport owners were also suggested. CONCLUSION: Implementing the suggestions may improve service provision and utilization leading to the reduction of maternal deaths and contributing towards achieving universal health coverage.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Springer Publishing Company
dc.relation.ispartof	International Journal of Childbirth
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1891/IJC-2021-0014
dc.rights	This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published in International Journal of Childbirth, available online: 10.1891/IJC-2021-0014
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
dc.subject	1110 Nursing, 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine, 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences
dc.title	Challenges and Suggestions to Promote Maternal Service Provision and Utilization Under the Free Maternal Health Policy in Ghana: Perspectives of Health Directors and Facility Managers
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	12
utslib.for	1110 Nursing
utslib.for	1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
utslib.for	1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - WHO CC
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Public Health
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
utslib.copyright.embargo	2023-03-01T00:00:00+1000Z
dc.date.updated	2022-11-02T01:35:33Z
pubs.issue	1
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	12
utslib.citation.issue	1

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: To promote service uptake and reduce maternal deaths, a policy was implemented under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme in 2008. This study explored the benefits and limitations of the policy, health system challenges, and community-level challenges resulting in suggestions to mitigate the challenges. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, utilizing qualitative data collection. It was carried out in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality, Ghana, involving in-depth interviews (IDIs) with directors of Ghana Health Service and facility managers. A total of eight IDIs were conducted. Data were transcribed, read, and analyzed based on themes which were presented using key quotes. RESULTS: The policy promoted the use of services. Nonetheless, challenges existed as a result of limited service coverage, inadequate human resources and infrastructure, lack of medications and equipment, lack of transport, and the influence of religion, culture, and family members. There was a need to strategize so that women with a low socioeconomic status would receive service over those of a high socioeconomic status. Other suggestions included the inclusion of family planning services, accreditation of private facilities, provision of a shift system for specialists to move to rural areas, and provision of incentives for health personnel in rural areas. It was also suggested that health personnel make known their challenges as well as to provide education on women’s rights and service expectations. The provision of transport vouchers to women as well as alternative arrangements to be made with private transport owners were also suggested. CONCLUSION: Implementing the suggestions may improve service provision and utilization leading to the reduction of maternal deaths and contributing towards achieving universal health coverage.

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