Title:
Exploring The Potentials and Challenges of Implementing Capitation Based Payment for Primary Care In Ghana
Authors:
Agyekum, Aishatu
Year:
2014
PAGE:
xi, 56
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
primary care reimbursement, PHC, per capita payments; cost effectiveness; provider payment methods; impact.
Abstract:
As cost of reimbursement continues to soar over the years, the NHIA has experimented with different payment systems to achieve sustainability. For this purpose, a new payment system of capitation was introduced for primary care reimbursement to control cost at this level. A pilot was implemented in 2012 which was met with several implementation challenges leading to adjustments in the design. This study aimed at exploring the potentials and challenges of implementing a capitation based payment system for primary care, in order to formulate recommendations for a successful roll-out by the NHIA in Ghana. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the ―Axes of per capita PHC system impact‖ framework to assess the available mechanisms needed for a successful PHC per capita system of funding. Findings: All payment mechanisms have their advantages and challenges. However at the primary level, capitation payment can be a tool to drive health system change to build the primary care sector. Also depending on the design, it can be helpful to health purchasers to improve resource allocation to where it‘s most cost-effective and it may be instrumental for the purpose of cost containment. However, certain structures and arrangements are needed for the system to achieve these potentials which seem not so apparent in the Ghanaian context. Recommendations include improving efforts to increase provider and subscriber engagement to increase acceptability of the new system. Separating PHC from Hospital sector and defining the scope of services to be provided at the primary level. Defragmenting the current health financing schemes and improving efforts for stewardship by the Ministry.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Ghana, Republic of
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Agyekum
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
DQd4Dso65q_20161113144855160.pdf