Access and utilisation of free maternal health service in the Savelugu-Nanton district in the Northern region

Abstract

The Free Maternal Health Services Scheme emanated from the conditions and benefits that were outlined in the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative embarked upon by the Government of Ghana to alleviate the plight of the poor and vulnerable in society as well as improve upon the living conditions of the citizenry. As a policy, the essence of the scheme was to ensure easy access and utilization of antenatal care, delivery and post natal care services by women in the rural and deprived communities at no cost to the recipient. In all, 252 respondents, disaggregated as 232 clients and 20 service providers were sampled for the study in the Savelugu-Nanton District. The research examined the access and utilization of free maternal health services in the Savelugu-Nanton District in the Northern Region. It further examined the output of utilization and factors that affect access and utilization of free maternal health services. The study found out that majority of women in the district were aware of the existence of the scheme, thereby culminating in increased antenatal care attendance. Negative staff attitude and the distance to service delivery points were seen as impediments to access and utilization of the services. It is recommended that more Community - based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds be established, equipped and staffed to enable expectant women receive service in their various communities. Also, the District Health Management Team should step up monitoring and supervision to stem the negative working attitude of health staff