The ‘Cash And Carry’ System on the Ground the Case of Bolgatanga Hospital

Abstract

In 1992, the Cash and Carry system of health care obtained green light for operations in all government hospitals. This study seeks to research into the operations of the system and how the policy is being implemented at the Bolgatanga Regional hospital. The study has been divided into five chapters. In Chapter One, attempt was made to identity cost recovery in the health sector as an issue confronting government in the last few years. This has become necessary partly due to poor economic performance and the dwindling share of the national cake. The main tools used for the collection of data were interview questionnaire and focus group discussion. In Chapter two, attempt was made to review health care financing in Ghana. This Chapter discussed the issue of fees in the health sector and policies initiated by government over the years to accommodate health care challenges. The socio-economic and political structure of the study area was discussed in Chapter Three. The data obtained from the field were presented and analyzed in Chapter Four. Opinion held by respondents indicate that affordability, efficiency and quality of services are important considerations in the utilization of health care facilities. In the final Chapter, the study presents a summary and recommendations which may be useful for policy making.