Ghana Health Insurance

Ghana International Health Insurance Information

Ghana is located in western Africa with hundreds of kilometers of golden coastline; it neighbors with Togo, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast. Independence was gained from United Kingdom in 1957; during British rule it was known as the Gold Coast. Numerous military coups were endured until 1981 when the military took full power and political parties were banned until 1992. A naturally rich part of the world, the country still relies on international aid and has chronic health problems that blight much of the population. Ghana is known for its beautiful beaches, European forts and array of wildlife. There is a strong corporate presence in the country due to the availability of its vast indigenous resources. Ghana is building as a tourism destination for holidaymakers and expatriates.

The healthcare system is in desperate need of investment and development. The Ghanaian government, along with international help, is making slow progress to improve the medical treatment available in the country, with a clear aim to lower the morality rate.

Ghana Healthcare News

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan nation to gain independence from the Europeans who had settled to trade in the region. The country is rich in mineral resources, with an established education system and efficient civil service. Unfortunately mismanagement and corruption has been present in the country since independence was gained from the British in 1957.

The healthcare system in Ghana is overwhelmed and only can provide Ghanaians with limited medical treatment. There are several elements that blight this country, all have a negative influence on the healthcare network and contribute to the poor substandard healthcare. There are private and public healthcare facilities available in Ghana, but they are limited and the medical treatment available is nowhere near the standard of care you would expect in a more advanced nation. If you need basic medical treatment the capital Accra is the best place in the country for care.

Ghana is rife with outbreaks of malaria, protozoal diarrhea hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, schistomiasis, cholera and meningococcal meningitis. Inclement weather conditions, with heavy flooding, is the reason for the spread of these diseases, as it create the perfect environment for them to nourish. Combined with limited medical resources and preventative measures, Ghanaian are at high risk of catching these diseases. They spread rapidly infecting the weakest – the ill, children and elderly – with devastating consequence. Medical care is limited and an epidemic can cause death among whole communities.

The Ghanaian government and international aide agencies have an immense task to complete in order to improve the lives of the 24 million Ghanaians. The mission set out by The World Health Organization is to ensure the healthcare system advances - by supporting the Ghanaian Ministry of Health (MoH) via continued development and deployment of appropriate information and training of medical professionals. By the end of 2005 the United Nations reported that Ghana lost over 50% of its skilled professionals, with the majority being medical professionals.

With more than 270,000 Ghanaians living with HIV/AIDS, it is a priority for the MoH and the WHO to control the disease from spreading. By introducing surveillance, prevention and control measures, the aim is to ensure the disease does not increase it's prevalence within the population. The emphasis is to support and care for people living with HIV/AIDS with significant importance being placed on vital medication. This is in line with the strategic planning to combat malaria and tuberculosis by mobilizing standards to ensure preventative steps and support units are in place for those affected by the diseases.

Substantial investment of time and money is required to strengthen the healthcare system. The government of Ghana is working closely with the WHO to execute development policies to improve the private and public healthcare system. This is planned to ensure the population at risk – poor and disadvantaged – will be better provided for, and dramatically accelerate life expectancy beyond 60.55 years.

In the event of serious illness and the need for hospitalization while in Ghana, the medical treatment available will not be able to meet all your needs. This means you will require emergency evacuation to a country which has a center of medical excellence; be aware the cost of such an eventuality is likely to amount to thousands of dollars. This is why it is paramount you have full comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover in place prior to your trip to Ghana. You need to bear in mind that the country is blighted with serious diseases and outbreaks do occur, along with the potential risk of violent crime, it is imperative you are safeguarded.

Ghana Global health Insurance

Global Health Insurance policies offered by Globalsurance can be customized to suit your individual requirements. As an expat traveling to or working in Ghana, global health insurance policies will offer you the most comprehensive medical cover. To discuss in detail, speak to our experienced consultants who can advise you on the most appropriate level of insurance to meet your needs: please contact us either by phone now or by filling in the simple form here.