The operations of the free maternal care policy and out of pocket payments during childbirth in rural Northern Ghana

Why "free maternal healthcare" is not entirely free in Ghana: a qualitative exploration of the role of street-level bureaucratic power

BACKGROUND

Ghana introduced a free maternal healthcare policy within its National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2008 to remove financial barriers to accessing maternal health services. Despite this policy, evidence suggests that women incur substantial out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for maternal health care. This study explores the underlying reasons for these persistent out-of-pocket payments within the context of Ghana's free maternal healthcare policy.

METHODS

Cross-sectional qualitative data were collected through interviews with a purposive sample of 14 mothers and 8 healthcare providers/administrators in two regions of Ghana between May and September 2022. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and imported into the NVivo 14.0 software for analysis. An iteratively developed codebook guided the coding process. Our thematic data analysis followed the Attride-Sterling framework for network analysis, identifying basic, organising themes and global themes.

RESULTS

We found that health systems and demand-side factors are responsible for the persistence of OOP payments despite the existence of the free maternal healthcare policy in Ghana. Reasons for these payments arose from health systems factors, particularly, NHIS structural issues - delayed and insufficient reimbursements, inadequate NHIS benefit coverage, stockouts and supply chain challenges and demand-side factors - mothers' lack of education about the NHIS benefit package, and passing of cost onto patients. Due to structural and system level challenges, healthcare providers, exercising their street-level bureaucratic power, have partly repackaged the policy, enabling the persistence of out-of-pocket payments for maternal healthcare.

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent measures are required to address the structural and administrative issues confronting Ghana's free maternal health policy; otherwise, Ghana may not achieve the sustainable development goals targets on maternal and child health.

The Effects of Ghana's Free Maternal and Healthcare Policy on Maternal and Infant Healthcare: A Scoping Review

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to implement a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). In furtherance of the nation's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, in 2008, Ghana actualized plans for a Free Maternal Healthcare Policy (FMHCP) under the NHIS. The FMHCP was aimed at removing financial barriers to accessing maternal and neonatal health services. This scoping review was conducted to map out the literature on the effects of the FMHCP under the NHIS on the utilization of maternal and infant health care in Ghana. Six databases including CINAHL, PubMed, Sage Journals, Academic Search Premier, Science Direct, and Medline were searched in conducting this review with key terms. A total of 175 studies were retrieved after the search and finally, 23 articles were included in the study after various stages of elimination. The review followed the reporting guidelines stated in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analyses Extensions for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The results showed an overall increase in the utilization of antenatal care, facility-based delivery, and postnatal care services. However, certain systemic issues persist regarding access to maternal and infant healthcare. Socio-demographic inequalities such as maternal level of education, place of residence, and economic status likewise barriers such as the existence of out-of-pocket payments, long distance to health facilities, and poor distribution of resources in rural areas hindered the utilization of maternal and infant healthcare. The country faces significant work to eliminate existing barriers and inequalities to ensure that it achieves its UHC goals.

Examining the quality of care across the continuum of maternal care (antenatal, perinatal and postnatal care) under the expanded free maternity policy (Linda Mama Policy) in Kenya: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Kenya still faces the challenge of mothers and neonates dying from preventable pregnancy-related complications. The free maternity policy (FMP), implemented in 2013 and expanded in 2017 (Linda Mama Policy (LMP)), sought to address this challenge. This study examines the quality of care (QoC) across the continuum of maternal care under the LMP in Kenya.

METHODS

We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods study across multiple levels of the Kenyan health system, involving key informant interviews with national stakeholders (n=15), in-depth interviews with county officials and healthcare workers (HCWs) (n=21), exit interview survey with mothers (n=553) who utilised the LMP delivery services, and focus group discussions (n=9) with mothers who returned for postnatal visits (at 6, 10 and 14 weeks). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. All the data were triangulated at the analysis and discussion stage using a framework approach guided by the QoC for maternal and newborns.

RESULTS

The results showed that the expanded FMP enhanced maternal care access: geographical, financial and service utilisation. However, the facilities and HCWs bore the brunt of the increased workload and burnout. There was a longer waiting time for the initial visit by the pregnant women because of the enhanced antenatal care package of the LMP. The availability and standards of equipment, supplies and infrastructure still posed challenges. Nurses were multitasking and motivated despite the human resources challenge. Mothers were happy to have received care information; however, there were challenges regarding respect and dignity they received (inadequate food, over-crowding, bed-sharing and lack of privacy), and they experienced physical, verbal and emotional abuse and a lack of attention/care.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the negative aspects of QoC while strengthening the positives is necessary to achieve the Universal Health Coverage goals through better quality service for every woman.

Maternal health care utilization following the implementation of the free maternal health care policy in Ghana: analysis of Ghana demographic and health surveys 2008-2014

BACKGROUND

In July 2008, Ghana introduced a 'free' maternal health care policy (FMHCP) through the national health insurance scheme (NHIS) to provide comprehensive antenatal, delivery and post-natal care services to pregnant women. In this study, we evaluated the 'free' policy impact on antenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization since the policy inception.

METHODS

The study used two rounds of repeated cross-sectional data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS, 2008-2014) and constructed exposure variable of the FMHCP using mothers' national health insurance status as a proxy variable and another group of mothers who did not subscribe to the policy. We then generated the propensity scores of the two groups, ex-post, and matched them to determine the impact of the 'free' maternal health care policy as an intervention on antenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization, using probit and logit models.

RESULTS

Antenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization increased by 8 and 13 percentage points difference, observed coefficients; 0.08; CI: 95% [0.06-0.10]; p < 0.001 and 0.13; CI: 95% [0.11-0.15], p < 0.001, respectively. Pregnant women were 1.97 times more likely to make four plus [a WHO recommended number of visits at the time] antenatal care visits and 1.87 times more likely to give birth in a health care facility of any level in Ghana between 2008 and 2104; aOR = 1.97; CI: 95% [1.61-2.4]; p < 0.001 and aOR = 1.87; CI: 95% [1.57-2.23]; p < 0.001, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Antenatal care uptake and facility-level delivery utilization improved significantly in Ghana indicating a positive impact of the FMHCP on maternal health care utilization in Ghana since its implementation.

Maternal anaemia care in Kano state, Nigeria: an exploratory qualitative study of experiences of uptake and provision

Background

Maternal anaemia (anaemia in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period) remains a persistent challenge, particularly in Kano State, Nigeria, which has the highest prevalence of maternal anaemia globally, at 72%.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano State, Nigeria. We aimed to identify factors constraining uptake and provision of maternal anaemia care, exploring perspectives across different stakeholders. We carried out 10 key informant interviews with policymakers and hospital managers, 28 in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and pregnant women using antenatal services and four focus group discussions with pregnant women's husbands and mothers-in-law. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Issues with provision include a lack of provider training and guidelines specific to maternal anaemia and blood transfusion, insufficient staff to meet increasing demand, and inadequate resources. Issues with uptake include the inability to afford informal user fees, distrust in health services and the blood transfusion process, and a lack of understanding of the causes, consequences, and treatment for anaemia, resulting in poor uptake of care and adherence to treatment.

Conclusions

This study recommends the implementation of standardized guidelines and training sessions to better support healthcare providers in offering quality services and increasing funding allocated to supporting maternal anaemia care. Education initiatives for service users and the public are also recommended to build public trust in health services and to improve understanding of maternal anaemia.

A log-binomial Bayesian geoadditive semiparametric analysis of geographical inequalities in caesarean births in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section is a clinical intervention aimed to save the lives of women and their newborns. In Ghana, studies have reported inequalities in use among women of different socioeconomic backgrounds. However, geographical differentials at the district level where health interventions are implemented, have not been systematically studied. This study examined geographical inequalities in caesarean births at the district level in Ghana. The study investigated how pregnancy complications and birth risks, access to health care and affluence correlate with geographical inequalities in caesarean section uptake.

METHODS

The data for the analysis was derived from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. The log-binomial Bayesian Geoadditive Semiparametric regression technique was used to examine the extent of geographical clustering in caesarean births at the district level and their spatial correlates.

RESULTS

In Ghana, 16.0% (95% CI = 15.3, 16.8) of births were via caesarean section. Geospatial analysis revealed a strong spatial dependence in caesarean births, with a clear north-south divide. Low frequencies of caesarean births were observed among districts in the northern part of the country, while those in the south had high frequencies. The predominant factor associated with the spatial differentials was affluence rather than pregnancy complications and birth risk and access to care.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong geographical inequalities in caesarean births exist in Ghana. Targeted and locally relevant interventions including health education and policy support are required at the district level to address the overuse and underuse of caesarean sections, to correspond to the World Health Organisation recommended optimal threshold of 10% to 15%.

Effect of cost-reduction interventions on facility-based deliveries in Burkina Faso: a controlled interrupted time-series study with multiple non-equivalent dependent variables

BACKGROUND

Evaluating health intervention effectiveness in low-income countries involves many methodological challenges to be addressed. The objective of this study was to estimate the sustained effects of two interventions to improve financial access to facility-based deliveries.

METHODS

In an innovative controlled interrupted time-series study with primary data, we used four non-equivalent dependent variables (antenatal care) as control outcomes to estimate the effects of a national subsidy for deliveries (January 2007-December 2013) and a local 'free delivery' intervention (June 2007-December 2010) on facility-based deliveries. The statistical analysis used spline linear regressions with random intercepts and slopes.

RESULTS

The analysis involved 20 877 observations for the national subsidy and 8842 for the 'free delivery' intervention. The two interventions did not have immediate effects. However, both were associated with positive trend changes varying from 0.21 to 0.52 deliveries per month during the first 12 months and from 0.78 to 2.39 deliveries per month during the first 6 months. The absolute effects, evaluated 84 and 42 months after introduction, ranged from 2.64 (95% CI 0.51 to 4.77) to 10.78 (95% CI 8.52 to 13.03) and from 9.57 (95% CI 5.97 to 13.18) to 14.47 (95% CI 10.47 to 18.47) deliveries per month for the national subsidy and the 'free delivery' intervention, respectively, depending on the type of antenatal care used as a control outcome.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that both interventions were associated with sustained non-linear increases in facility-based deliveries. The use of multiple control groups strengthens the credibility of the results, making them useful for policy makers seeking solutions for universal health coverage.

An assessment of out of pocket payments in public sector health facilities under the free maternal healthcare policy in Ghana

BACKGROUND

The free maternal healthcare policy was introduced in Ghana in 2008 under the national health insurance scheme as a social intervention to improve access to maternal health services. This study investigated the prevalence of out of pocket (OOP) payment among pregnant women with valid national health insurance who sought skilled delivery services at public sector health facilities in Ghana. The study also assessed the health system factors associated with OOP payment.

METHODS

We used data from the Ghana Maternal Health Survey (GMHS), which was conducted in 2017. The study comprised 7681 women who delivered at a public sector health facility and had valid national health insurance at the time of delivery. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with OOP payment, whiles accounting for clustering, stratification, and sampling weights.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OOP payment for skilled delivery services was 19.0%. After adjustment at multivariable level, hospital delivery services (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.23, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.00, 1.52), caesarean section (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.36, 2.20), and receiving intravenous infusion during delivery (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.60) were associated with higher odds of OOP payment. Women who were discharged home 2 to 7 days after delivery had 19% lower odds of OOP payment compared to those who were discharged within 24 hours after delivery.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of high prevalence of OOP payment among women who had skilled delivery services in public sector health facilities although such women had valid national health insurance. Government may need to institute measures to reduce OOP payment in public sector facilities especially at the hospitals and for women undergoing caesarean sections.

Out-of-pocket payments during childbirth in Kenya under the free maternity services: Perspectives of mothers, healthcare workers and county officials

Background: This study seeks to determine the extent of women's out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for delivery under the free maternity policy (FMP).  Methods: We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods study using quantitative and qualitative data collection. The study was set in three facilities (levels 3, 4, and 5) in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study involved exit interview (EI) surveys with mothers (n = 553) who utilised FMP delivery services and focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers who returned for postnatal visits (6, 10, and 14 weeks). There were 21 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with county officials and healthcare workers (HCWs). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.  Results: Despite the FMP being free on paper, mothers incurred OOP payments in practice. The overall mean OOP payments incurred by mothers who underwent normal delivery was 9.50 USD (SD 8.20 USD), and caesarean section (CS) was 10.88 USD (SD 15.16 USD). The main cost drivers were transport, lack of adequate supply and medications, lack of policy clarity by health workers, failure to notify the NHIF office of available clients, and ultrasound scan services. While the OOP payments were not deemed catastrophic, some women perceived it as a barrier to care as they ended up using savings or selling their assets to meet the costs. There were no patient characteristics associated with OOP payments.  Conclusions: OOP payments during childbirth in Kenya place a considerable economic burden on mothers and their households. There is need to promote awareness of the policy and provide a sustainable form of transport, especially during emergencies, through collaboration with partners. Prioritising the supply of required medication used in maternal services in the universal health care benefits package to which Kenyan citizens are entitled, or sustainably financing the FMP is crucial.

Using health policy and systems research to influence national health policies: lessons from Mexico, Cambodia and Ghana

Health system reforms across Africa, Asia and Latin America in recent decades demonstrate the value of health policy and systems research (HPSR) in moving towards the goals of universal health coverage in different circumstances and by various means. The role of evidence in policy making is widely accepted; less well understood is the influence of the concrete conditions under which HPSR is carried out within the national context and which often determine policy outcomes. We investigated the varied experiences of HPSR in Mexico, Cambodia and Ghana (each selected purposively as a strong example reflecting important lessons under varying conditions) to illustrate the ways in which HPSR is used to influence health policy. We reviewed the academic and grey literature and policy documents, constructed three country case studies and interviewed two leading experts from each of Mexico and Cambodia and three from Ghana (using semi-structured interviews, anonymized to ensure objectivity). For the design of the study, design of the semi-structured topic guide and the analysis of results, we used a modified version of the context-based analytical framework developed by Dobrow et al. (Evidence-based health policy: context and utilisation. Social Science & Medicine 2004;58:207-17). The results demonstrate that HPSR plays a varied but essential role in effective health policy making and that the use, implementation and outcomes of research and research-based evidence occurs inevitably within a national context that is characterized by political circumstances, the infrastructure and capacity for research and the longer-term experience with HPSR processes. This analysis of national experiences demonstrates that embedding HPSR in the policy process is both possible and productive under varying economic and political circumstances. Supporting research structures with social development legislation, establishing relationships based on trust between researchers and policy makers and building a strong domestic capacity for health systems research all demonstrate means by which the value of HPSR can be materialized in strengthening health systems.

The Extent of Universal Health Coverage for Maternal Health Services in Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

Monitoring essential health services coverage is important to inform resource allocation for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 3. The objective was to assess service, effective and financial coverages of maternal healthcare services and their equity, using health and demographic surveillance site data in eastern Uganda.

METHODS

Between Nov 2018 and Feb 2019, 638 resident women giving birth in 2017 were surveyed. Among them, 386 were randomly sampled in a follow-up survey (Feb 2019) on pregnancy and delivery payments and contents of care. Service coverage (antenatal care visits, skilled birth attendance, institutional delivery and one postnatal visit), effective coverage (antenatal and postnatal care content) and financial coverage (out-of-pocket payments for antenatal and delivery care and health insurance coverage) were measured, stratified by socio-economic status, education level and place of residence.

RESULTS

Coverage of skilled birth attendance and institutional delivery was both high (88%), while coverage of postnatal visit was low (51%). Effective antenatal care was lower than effective postnatal care (38% vs 76%). Financial coverage was low: 91% of women made out-of-pocket payments for delivery services. Equity analysis showed coverage of institutional delivery was higher for wealthier and peri-urban women and these women made higher out-of-pocket payments. In contrast, coverage of a postnatal visit was higher for rural women and poorest women.

CONCLUSION

Maternal health coverage in eastern Uganda is not universal and particularly low for postnatal visit, effective antenatal care and financial coverage. Analysing healthcare payments and quality by healthcare provider sector is potential future research.

Effects of free maternal policies on quality and cost of care and outcomes: an integrative review

AIM

We conducted an integrative review of the global-free maternity (FM) policies and evaluated the quality of care (QoC) and cost and cost implications to provide lessons for universal health coverage (UHC).

METHODOLOGY

Using integrative review methods proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005), we searched through EBSCO Host, ArticleFirst, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Emerald Insight, JSTOR, PubMed, Springer Link, Electronic collections online, and Google Scholar databases guided by the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis protocol (PRISMA) guideline. Only empirical studies that described FM policies with components of quality and cost were included. There were 43 papers included, and the data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Forty-three studies that met the criteria were all from developing countries and had implemented different approaches of FM policy. Review findings demonstrated that some of the quality issues hindering the policies were poor management of complications, worsened referral systems, overburdening of staff because of increased utilisation, lack of transport, and low supply of stock. There were some quality improvements on monitoring vital signs by nurses and some procedures met the recommended standards. Equally, mothers still bear the burden of some costs such as the purchase of drugs, transport, informal payments despite policies being 'free'.

CONCLUSIONS

FM policies can reduce the financial burden on the households if well implemented and sustainably funded. Besides, they may also contribute to a decline in inequity between the rich and poor though not independently. In order to achieve the SDG goal of UHC by 2030, there is a need to promote awareness of the policy to the poor and disadvantaged women in rural areas to help narrow the inequality gap on utilisation and provide a sustainable form of transport through collaboration with partners to help reduce impoverishment of households. Also, there is a need to address elements such as cultural barriers and the role of traditional birth attendants which hinder women from seeking skilled care even when they are freely available.

A Narrative Synthesis Review of Out-of-Pocket Payments for Health Services Under Insurance Regimes: A Policy Implementation Gap Hindering Universal Health Coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

"Achieve universal health coverage (UHC), including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all" is the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8 target. Although most high-income countries have achieved or are very close to this target, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) especially those in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are still struggling with its achievement. One of the observed challenges in SSA is that even where services are supposed to be "free" at point-of-use because they are covered by a health insurance scheme, out-of-pocket fees are sometimes being made by clients. This represents a policy implementation gap. This study sought to synthesise the known evidence from the published literature on the 'what' and 'why' of this policy implementation gap in SSA.

METHODS

The study drew on Lipsky's street level bureaucracy (SLB) theory, the concept of practical norms, and Taryn Vian's framework of corruption in the health sector to explore this policy implementation gap through a narrative synthesis review. The data from selected literature were extracted and synthesized iteratively using a thematic content analysis approach.

RESULTS

Insured clients paid out-of-pocket for a wide range of services covered by insurance policies. They made formal and informal cash and in-kind payments. The reasons for the payments were complex and multifactorial, potentially explained in many but not all instances, by coping strategies of street level bureaucrats to conflicting health sector policy objectives and resource constraints. In other instances, these payments appeared to be related to structural violence and the 'corruption complex' governed by practical norms.

CONCLUSION

A continued top-down approach to health financing reforms and UHC policy is likely to face implementation gaps. It is important to explore bottom-up approaches - recognizing issues related to coping behaviour and practical norms in the face of unrealistic, conflicting policy dictates.

Essential Medicines in Universal Health Coverage: A Scoping Review of Public Health Law Interventions and How They Are Measured in Five Middle-Income Countries

Very few studies exist of legal interventions (national laws) for essential medicines as part of universal health coverage in middle-income countries, or how the effect of these laws is measured. This study aims to critically assess whether laws related to universal health coverage use five objectives of public health law to promote medicines affordability and financing, and to understand how access to medicines achieved through these laws is measured. This comparative case study of five middle-income countries (Ecuador, Ghana, Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine) uses a public health law framework to guide the content analysis of national laws and the scoping review of empirical evidence for measuring access to medicines. Sixty laws were included. All countries write into national law: (a) health equity objectives, (b) remedies for users/patients and sanctions for some stakeholders, (c) economic policies and regulatory objectives for financing (except South Africa), pricing, and benefits selection (except South Africa), (d) information dissemination objectives (ex. for medicines prices (except Ghana)), and (e) public health infrastructure. The 17 studies included in the scoping review evaluate laws with economic policy and regulatory objectives (n = 14 articles), health equity (n = 10), information dissemination (n = 3), infrastructure (n = 2), and sanctions (n = 1) (not mutually exclusive). Cross-sectional descriptive designs (n = 8 articles) and time series analyses (n = 5) were the most frequent designs. Change in patients' spending on medicines was the most frequent outcome measure (n = 5). Although legal interventions for pharmaceuticals in middle-income countries commonly use all objectives of public health law, the intended and unintended effects of economic policies and regulation are most frequently investigated.

What could be influencing older Ghanaians outpatient care utilization rate?

Objectives

Ghana's population is rapidly aging and there may be healthcare access and utilization issues. This study investigates some of the issues that may influence outpatient care utilization rate among older Ghanaians.

Methods

Cross-sectional wave 1 (2007–2010) data from WHO's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health are used, and a sample of 1408 are analyzed. After multiple imputations of missing values, a negative binomial regression model is used to identify the association between outpatient care utilization rate and lifestyle activities.

Results

The rate of outpatient care utilization is negatively associated with the rate of eating vegetables (β =0.0830, p < .001), fruits (β =0.0033, p < .05), moderate-exercise (β =0.4010, p < .001), moderate-work (β =0.2049, p < .001), walking/biking (β = 0.0436, p < .001), and positively associated with leisure hours ((β =0.0194, p < .001).

Conclusion

To promote better aging situations of older adults in Ghana, poverty and poor education should be addressed as potential barriers to healthcare access. There is a need for policies that encourage healthier lifestyles for older Ghanaian's health.

Funding

The study was self-funded by the authors

Financial protection and equity of access to health services with the free maternal and child health initiative in Lao PDR

Though Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has made considerable progress in improving maternal and child health (MCH), significant disparities exist nationwide, with the poor and geographically isolated ethnic groups having limited access to services. In its pursuit of universal health coverage, the government introduced a Free MCH initiative in 2011, which has recently been subsumed within the new National Health Insurance (NHI) programme. Although this was a major national health financing reform, there have been few evaluations of the extent to which it improved equitable access to MCH services. We analyse surveys that provide information on demand-side and supply-side factors influencing access and utilization of free MCH services, especially for vulnerable groups. This includes two rounds of household surveys (2010 and 2013) in southern Lao PDR involving, respectively 2766 and 2911 women who delivered within 24 months prior to each survey. These data have been analysed according to the socio-economic status, geographic location and ethnicity of women using the MCH services as well as any associated out-of-pocket expenses and structural quality of these services. Two other surveys analysed here focused on human resources for health and structural quality of health facilities. Together, these data point to persistent large inequities in access and financial protection that need to be addressed. Significant differences were found in the utilization of health services by both economic status and ethnicity. Relatively large costs for institutional births were incurred by the poor and did not decline between 2010 and 2013 whereby there was no significant impact on financial protection. The overall benefit incidence of the universal programme was not pro-poor. The inequity was accentuated by issues related to distribution and nature of human resources, supply-side readiness and thus quality of care provided across different geographical areas.

Out-of-pocket expenditure on health care by Australian mothers: Lessons for maternal universal health coverage from a long-established system

BACKGROUND

Designing effective universal health care systems has challenges, including the use of patient co-payments and the role of the public and private systems. This study sought to quantify the total amount of out-of-pocket fees incurred by women who gave birth in private and public hospitals within Australia-a country with universal health coverage-and assess the impact that variation in birth type has on out-of-pocket fees.

METHODS

Data came from a linked administrative data set of all women who gave birth in the Australian state Queensland between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015, plus their resultant children. Propensity score matching was used to create two similar cohorts of women who gave birth in private and public hospitals.

RESULTS

The mean total out-of-pocket fees for care from conception to the child's first birthday was $2813 (±2683 standard deviation) and $623 (±1202) for women who gave birth in private and public hospitals, respectively. Total fees were higher in both public and private hospitals for women who had a cesarean birth ($716 [±1419] and $3010 [±2988]) than for women who had a vaginal birth without instruments ($556 [±1044] and $2560 [±2284]).

DISCUSSION

Australia's strong policy incentives for women to take out private health insurance are leaving women with large out-of-pocket costs. This should hold important lessons for other countries implementing a universal health care system, to ensure that using a combination of public and private practitioners does not undermine the intention of universal care.

Household saving during pregnancy and facility delivery in Zambia: a cross-sectional study

Financial barriers cause many women in low- and middle-income countries to deliver outside of a health facility, contributing to maternal and neonatal mortality. Savings accrued during pregnancy can increase access to safe delivery services. We investigated the relationship between household saving during pregnancy and facility delivery. A cross-section of 2381 women who delivered a child in the previous 12 months was sampled from 40 health facility catchment areas across eight districts in three provinces in Zambia in April and May of 2016. During a household survey, women reported on their perceptions of the adequacy of their household savings during their recent pregnancy. Households were categorized based on women’s responses as: did not save; saved but not enough; and saved enough. We estimated crude and adjusted associations between perceived adequacy of savings and facility delivery. We also explored associations between savings and expenditures on delivery. Overall, 51% of women surveyed reported that their household saved enough for delivery; 32% reported saving but not enough; and 17% did not save. Household wealth was positively associated with both categories of saving, while earlier attendance at antenatal care was positively associated with saving enough. Compared with women in households that did not save, those in households that saved but not enough (aOR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.25) and saved enough (aOR 2.86; 95% CI: 2.05, 3.99) had significantly higher odds of facility delivery. Both categories of saving were significantly associated with higher overall expenditure on delivery, driven in large part by higher expenditures on baby clothes and transportation. Our findings suggest that interventions that encourage saving early in pregnancy may improve access to facility delivery services.

Out-of-pocket payments in the context of a free maternal health care policy in Burkina Faso: a national cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

In April 2016, Burkina Faso introduced a free health care policy for women. Instead of reimbursing health facilities, as many sub-Saharan countries do, the government paid them prospectively for covered services to avoid reimbursement delays, which are cited as a reason for the persistence of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments. This study aimed to (i) estimate the direct expenditures of deliveries and covered obstetric care, (ii) determine the OOP payments, and (iii) identify the patient and health facility characteristics associated with OOP payments.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional study was conducted in September and October 2016 in 395 randomly selected health facilities. A structured questionnaire was administered to women (n = 593) who had delivered or received obstetric care on the day of the survey. The direct health expenditures included fees for consultations, prescriptions, paraclinical examinations, hospitalization and ambulance transport. A two-part model with robust variances was performed to identify the factors associated with OOP payments.

RESULTS

A total of 587 women were included in the analysis. The median direct health expenses were US$5.38 [interquartile range (IQR):4.35-6.65], US$24.72 [IQR:16.57-46.09] and US$136.39 [IQR: 108.36-161.42] for normal delivery, dystocia and cesarean section, respectively. Nearly one-third (29.6%, n = 174) of the women reported having paid for their care. OOP payments ranged from US$0.08 to US$98.67, with a median of US$1.77 [IQR:0.83-7.08]). Overall, 17.5% (n = 103) of the women had purchased drugs at private pharmacies, and 11.4% (n = 67) had purchased cleaning products for a room or equipment. OOP payments were more frequent with age, for emergency obstetric care and among women who work. The women's health region of origin was also significantly associated with OOP payments. For those who made OOP payments, the amounts paid decreased with age but were higher in urban areas, in hospitals, and among the most educated women. The amounts paid were lower among students and were associated with health region.

CONCLUSION

The policy is effective for financial protection. However, improvements in the management and supply system of health facilities' pharmacies could further reduce OOP payments in the context of the free health care policy in Burkina Faso.

Are health facilities well equipped to provide basic quality childbirth services under the free maternal health policy? Findings from rural Northern Ghana

BACKGROUND

Basic inputs and infrastructure including drugs, supplies, equipment, water and electricity are required for the provision of quality care. In the era of the free maternal health policy in Ghana, it is unclear if such basic inputs are readily accessible in health facilities. The study aimed to assess the availability of basic inputs including drugs, supplies, equipment and emergency transport in health facilities. Women and health providers' views on privacy and satisfaction with quality of care were also assessed.

METHODS

The study used a convergent parallel mixed methods in one rural municipality in Ghana, Kassena-Nankana. A survey among facilities (n = 14) was done. Another survey was carried out among women who gave birth in health facilities only (n = 353). A qualitative component involved focus group discussions (FGDs) with women (n = 10) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with midwives and nurses (n = 25). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for the quantitative study, while the qualitative data were recorded, transcribed, read and coded using themes.

RESULTS

The survey showed that only two (14%) out of fourteen facilities had clean water, and five (36%) had electricity. Emergency transport for referrals was available in only one (7%) facility. Basic drugs, supplies, equipment and infrastructure especially physical space were inadequate. Rooms used for childbirth in some facilities were small and used for multiple purposes. Eighty-nine percent (n = 314) of women reported lack of privacy during childbirth and this was confirmed in the IDIs. Despite this, 77% of women (n = 272) were very satisfied or satisfied with quality of care for childbirth which was supported in the FGDs. Reasons for women's satisfaction included the availability of midwives to provide childbirth services and to have follow-up homes visits. Some midwives were seen to be patient and empathetic. Providers were not satisfied due to health system challenges.

CONCLUSION

Government should dedicate more resources to the provision of essential inputs for CHPS compounds providing maternal health services. Health management committees should also endeavour to play an active role in the management of health facilities to ensure efficiency and accountability. These would improve quality service provision and usage, helping to achieve universal health coverage.

The implementation of the free maternal health policy in rural Northern Ghana: synthesised results and lessons learnt

Objective

A free maternal health policy was implemented under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme to promote the use of maternal health services. Under the policy, women are entitled to free services throughout pregnancy and at childbirth. A mixed methods study involving women, providers and insurance managers was carried out in the Kassena-Nankana municipality of Ghana. It explored the affordability, availability, acceptability and quality of services. In this manuscript, we present synthesised results categorised as facilitators and barriers to access as well as lessons learnt (implications).

Results

Reasonable waiting times, cleanliness of facilities as well as good interpersonal relationships with providers were the facilitators to access. Barriers included out of pocket payments, lack of, or inadequate supply of drugs and commodities, equipment, water, electricity and emergency transport. Four lessons (implications) were identified. Firstly, out of pocket payments persisted. Secondly, the health system was not strengthened before implementing the free maternal health policy. Thirdly, lower level facilities were poorly resourced. Finally, the lack of essential inputs and infrastructure affected quality of care and therefore, access to care. It is suggested that the Government of Ghana, the Health Insurance Scheme and other stakeholders improve the provision of resources to facilities.

Cost of malaria treatment and health seeking behaviour of children under-five years in the Upper West Region of Ghana

BACKGROUND

There is limited knowledge on cost of treating malaria in children under-five years in northern Ghana which poses a challenge in determining whether interventions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) have reduced the economic burden of malaria to households or not. This study examined the malaria care seeking and cost of treatment in children under-five years in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional, quantitative design and data were collected between July and August 2016 in three districts in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A total of 574 women who had under-five children were interviewed. Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, malaria seeking patterns for under-five children with malaria as well as direct medical and non-medical costs associated with treating under-five children with malaria were collected from the patient perspective. Analysis was performed using STATA 12.

RESULTS

Out of 574 women visited, about 63% (360) had children who had malaria and sought treatment. Most treatment was done at formal health facilities such as the health centres (37%) and the CHPS (35%) while 3% had self-treatment at home. The main reason for choice of place of treatment outside home was nearness to home (53%). The average direct medical and non-medical costs associated with treating an under-five child with malaria were US$4.13 and US$3.04 respectively. The average cost on transportation alone was US$2.64. Overall, the average direct medical and non-medical cost associated with treating an under-five child with malaria was US$4.91(range: minimum = US$0.13 -maximum = US$46.75). Children who were enrolled into the NHIS paid an average amount of US$4.76 compared with US$5.88 for those not enrolled, though the difference was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

The average cost to households in treating an under-five child with malaria was US$4.91. This amount is considerably high given the poverty level in the area. Children not insured paid a little over one US dollar for malaria treatment compared to those insured. Efforts to improve enrolment into the NHIS may be needed to reduce the cost of malaria treatment to households. Construction of more health facilities near to community members and at hard to reach areas will improve access to health care and reduce direct non-medical cost such as transportation costs.