The challenges to performance and sustaining mutual health organisations/health institutions: An exploratory study in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore challenges to the performance and sustainability of mutual health organisations (MHOs) and health institutions towards enhancing access to quality health care (HC) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through interviews and documentary review.

Findings

Problems with late release of reimbursement funds for discharging with claims by the central government has impacted heavily on the financial and strategic management and decision-making processes of the MHOs and health institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of in-depth analysis of the financial viability of the MHOs; and the limited number of schemes selected.

Practical implications

Recommends the need to ensure prompt release of reimbursement funds by government to enable the MHOs to reimburse claims to health institutions.

Social implications

There is a perceived tension between the MHOs and HC institutions due to late release of reimbursement funds by the government.

Originality/value

Contributes to understanding of how the NHI Act influences the operations of MHOs and health institutions towards increasing access to quality HC and financing.

Citation

Adomah-Afari, A. (2015), "The challenges to performance and sustaining mutual health organisations/health institutions: An exploratory study in Ghana", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 28 No. 7, pp. 726-745. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-02-2015-0018