Primary health care system in Ghana: an evaluation of Asante Akyem and Sekyere east districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana, 1994

The research focused on an assessment of the Primary Health Care System (PHC) in Ghana to determine its contribution toward the improvement of the health of Ghanaians in two districts in the Ashanti Region. Data were collected from the field through unstructured interviews, focused group discussion, observations, and statistical data from the Ministry of Health. These provided important information for the analysis. The sample consisted of 200 respondents. Women constituted about 80 percent of the respondents. Among those interviewed were traditional practitioners and patients. Medical workers were also interviewed. Three variables: The utilization of health facilities, morbidity, and infant mortality rates were measured. The study showed that many people continue to use traditional medicine. Because of this, attempts are being made to improve the traditional healing system through the establishment of schools of herbal medicine where lessons are taught particularly regarding the preservation of medicinal herbs. It was also found that the location of clinics, transportation problems, poor road network, the quality of service, and payment of hospital fees prevent people from using health facilities. Again, poor services and the unfriendly attitude of health workers contribute to the under-utilization of health facilities. Although measles, polio, diphtheria, and tetanus appear to be under control or eliminated, there has not been any significant change in morbidity. Malaria seems to be a major problem in Ghana; followed by diarrhea, URTI, and rheumatism which are the leading cause of morbidity. Finally, infant mortality rate was found to be high with measles being the leading cause of child deaths. The conclusion was that the PHC is not working to improve the health of the majority of people in Ghana. Recommendations were offered to improve the delivery of health care services in Ghana