Service Utilization at the Kintampo Health Centre: Implication for Policy Formulation

Abstract

Service Utilization at the Kintampo Health Centre: Implication for Policy Formulation. From the early 1980s utilization at outpatient services at government health facilities declined considerably, of which the Kintampo Health Centre was a typical example. The main focus of this study was therefore, to find out the factors that influence utilization at the Kintampo Health Centre. The study was descriptive. Questionnaire and available routinely collected data from health institutions were used. Sampling was purposive and adults above 19 years were interviewed. The findings show that, the following factors influence utilization of services: - Proximity - Presence of competent doctor - Availability of drugs - Facilities such as operating theatre - Cost - Attitude of health providers and - Clean environment The result of the study imply that, the demand for health care in rural health centres, such as the one at Kintampo, can be significantly increased if, technically competent and courteous personnel such as medical doctors, with facilities to work with in a very clean environment are available.