Abstract:
Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the availability, accessibility, and affordability of MRI
services to patients in Ghana.
Methods: A descriptive quantitative research method which involve the use of a structured email 3-page
survey questionnaire was employed, and addressed to the MRI radiographer-in-charge for completion.
Results: A response rate of 92% was achieved. Sixty-seven percent (8) of the facilities were located in the
Greater Accra region of Ghana with most (6[75%]) being private health facilities. The Western, Eastern,
Brong Ahafo, Upper East, and Upper West lacked MRI scanners. MRI scanners per million population was
0.5. The mean cost per MRI examination, was lower in the public (i.e. GHȻ 563eGHȻ 686, p < 0.05 for
non-contrast MRI examinations) compared to the private (i.e. GHȻ 618eGHȻ 775, p < 0.05 also for non-
contrast MRI examinations). Most facilities (9[75%]) accept card bearers of some private health insurance
to access MRI services, but none accepts that of the public-funded health insurance.
Conclusion: There is wide disparity in the distribution of MRI scanners nationwide, with most of them
located in the Greater Accra region. With only 5 regions having MRI scanners, it does imply that close to
40% of the general population do not readily have access to MRI services. Government can achieve an
increase in availability, accessibility, and affordability of MRI by providing more public health facilities
with MRI scanners and reimbursing MRI services via the NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme).
