Rolling Family Planning Unto Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme: Stakeholders' Perspectives

Dela Nai, Population Council
Kamil Fuseini, North-West University, South Africa
Esi Asare Prah, MSI Reproductive Choices
Laura Dogbey, Population Council, Ghana
Patience Siaw, Population Council, Ghana
Akua Obeng-Dwamena, Population Council
Pilar Seielstad, Cornell University

In 2021, the First Lady of Ghana announced that Family Planning (FP) is covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This announcement was informed by evidence from a pilot study and a facility assessment, leading to a national rollout in September 2022. A study conducted in May-June 2023 sought to identify rollout facilitators and barriers by speaking with stakeholders along the health system, including policymakers, program implementers, healthcare providers, and community members, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore uptake, user experiences, and the implementation process. Generally, stakeholders agreed that the rollout increased knowledge and awareness, subscribers, use of NHIS cards for FP services, and FP uptake. Challenges included an uncoordinated implementation process, inadequate provider training, out-of-pocket expenditures, poor internet/network, and reimbursement delays. The study recommends strengthening coordination between the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA) and Ghana Health Service (GHS), reconstituting the National Steering Committee, and implementing regular monitoring visits to improve the rollout. Access to free FP services is a step in the right direction to achieving universal health coverage and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Findings from this study will continue to inform the NHIA and GHS to optimize FP access and services.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Population Policies

See extended abstract.