The impact of national health insurance scheme on maternal health care in Ghana: a case study of the East Akim district in the eastern region of Ghana

The aim and primary focus of the research was to assess the impact of NHIS on maternal health care in Ghana. In this regard, the study sought to address specific objectives which include: contribution of NHIS on maternal health delivery and contribution of NHIS on maternal mortality rate. Moreover, the general maternal health care delivery in Ghana was also assessed. The study made use of questionnaire and interview guide approach to obtain answers to achieve above objectives. Raw data gathered were analyzed in SPSS. Findings indicate that, with the implementation of NHIS, women were able to access prenatal care, normal delivery, hospitalization after delivery and postnatal care without any charge. Prenatal indicators analyzed include care by professionals and vaccination (TT). There was an increase in the number of maternal healthcare professionals who were competent to handle maternal related issues. NHIS policy implementation led to drastic decline in maternal mortality rate. Health 2212infrastructure improved as new ones were built while old ones were renovated. Findings also indicate that government of Ghana has put in place intervention programmes to enhance general maternal health care delivery. However, these have its associated challenges such as provision of adequate equipments and logistics, staff and human resources. Keywords