Financial Difficulties prevent persons with NCDs from accessing proper Healthcare – GhNCD report

Ghana Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (GhNCDA) has disclosed that Persons Living with Non-Communicable Diseases (PLwNCDs) in Ghana are unable to access proper healthcare due to financial hardships.

This is according to a research conducted by the Alliance on “The Situational Analysis on the Status of NCDs Within the Context of Universal Health Coverage in Ghana.”

Speaking at a programme in Accra to disseminate the report m, Research Consultant for the GhNCD Alliance, Dr. Issac Yeboah, said “The first challenge always has been the financial difficulty. That is the first thing that came up during the in-dept interviews as well as the focus group discussion.”

According to the findings, most patients lack awareness of the NCDs and its risk factors. Others also face stigmatization and discrimination in society due to their conditions.

Some persons living with NCDs told the researchers that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) does not cover their health needs, which is why they have to go out of their pockets to buy expensive medications and to afford a healthy lifestyle.

Methodology

The research was aimed at assessing the level of priority given to NCDs in the provision of treatment, care, and support at the community level.

It was done in the La Dadekotopong and La Nkwantanang District Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region. The researchers employed a qualitative design to collect data on the context of NCDs and UHC in Ghana.

Interviews and focused group discussions where held, among persons living with NCDs, health care providers, policy makers, Civil Society Organisations, and community members to gather data.

Recommendations

The report recommended the need for government and stakeholders to come up with innovative means of raising funds to support persons with non-communicable diseases.

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It also suggested that the NHIS be expanded to include NCD packages; public education be crated at the community level; create specialised clinics for NCDs; put in place early diagnosis, among others.

By Fauzeeya Jamal-deen // ghananewsonline.com