NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME IN GHANA: EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES OF WASSA WEST HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

ABSTRACT The Wassa West Health Insurance Scheme (WWHIS), a district health insurance scheme in the Western Region, provides insurance cards to subscribers in the district to access affordable health care from accredited health facilities. The study was carried out to find out the extent to which health care is accessible and affordable to the people and to determine the sustainability of the scheme. Ten communities in the district were purposively selected. These communities cut across the entire district; these include both urban and rural settlements. The study adopted the descriptive survey design using the case study approach focusing on accessibility, affordability and sustainability of the health insurance scheme. In all, 120 participants were selected for the study which included scheme managers, health service providers and subscribers comprising opinion leaders, community leaders and community members. Data were collected using semi-structured interview and interview guide. Responses were coded and analysed. Findings showed that the government and the Wassa West District are committed to the implementation of health insurance policy and provide improved health care in the district. The study recommends a strong collaboration based on understanding among the scheme management, the health service providers and the subscribers in order to achieve a successful, affordable, accessible and sustainable health care. Scheme managers are urged to make the insurance more attractive, create enhanced communication channels to promote transparency in their operations.