The infrastructure for healthcare in Ghana is limited. While the Ghanaian government is making progress in improving healthcare, public hospitals remain overcrowded and severely underfunded. Although ambulances may not always arrive timeously, emergency medical services in Ghana are generally of reasonable quality.
Expats living in Ghana nearly always use private facilities, which offer a considerably higher standard of treatment and more modern medical facilities. We advise that you negotiate private health insurance coverage into your employment package or purchase a comprehensive health insurance policy before moving to Ghana.
Public healthcare in Ghana
Public hospitals in Ghana are generally funded by the government, while religious groups also play a fundamental role in providing the Ghanaian population with medical assistance. Many expats find the quality of public hospitals and clinics in Ghanaian cities inadequate compared to medical facilities in Western countries.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ghana’s universal healthcare system for all residents, dramatically improved the health situation in the country. The NHIS provides coverage for a limited scope of health issues, primarily insuring patients for treatment against the most prevalent diseases, such as malaria. It eliminated the need for Ghanaian citizens to pay for treatment upfront and increased access to healthcare for Ghana’s poorest. While expats can access NHIS services for a nominal fee, most prefer to be treated at a private facility by investing in a private health insurance policy.
In major urban centres, such as Accra, there are numerous hospitals, clinics, and 24-hour pharmacies, while most rural areas are isolated and lack modern healthcare facilities. In these areas, locals usually choose traditional African treatments over travelling long distances to access healthcare.
Private healthcare in Ghana
Most expats living in Ghana use private healthcare facilities. Private hospitals in Ghana generally provide a better standard of treatment and boast more modern equipment than public hospitals.
The standard of facilities at private hospitals in Ghana varies, but those in areas with big expat communities are generally well equipped and comfortable. The waiting times are much shorter at private clinics in Ghana, and you will find that doctors and medical staff speak English fluently.
Because insurance and private healthcare are necessary, this must be taken into account when considering the cost of living in Ghana.
Health insurance in Ghana
Expats moving to Ghana should ensure that they have taken out private health insurance coverage before starting life in the country, as this covers a wide range of health issues and treatments in private medical facilities in Ghana. In some cases, health insurance is provided by the employer as part of an employment package.
There are private health insurance companies that operate solely in Ghana, although using an international health insurance provider may be better suited, especially if you travel outside Ghana frequently.
Expats should also consider policies that include medical evacuation and repatriation services. These will provide adequate cover should they need to be transported to another country or back home for treatment.
Pharmacies in Ghana
Pharmacies can easily be found in any major town or city in Ghana, some of which are open 24 hours a day. Expats should, however, take note that only certain pharmacies in Ghana are licensed to dispense prescription drugs.
There are concerns about some pharmacies in Ghana selling fake drugs and substandard medication. Expats are advised to purchase medication from a pharmacy attached to a reputable medical facility and to check that any medication they take has been approved by the Ghanaian Pharmacy Council.
Expats suffering from chronic ailments that require prescription medication should try to bring a supply of the medication with them to Ghana, as well as copies of the prescription and generic names of the drugs.
Health hazards in Ghana
Malaria is a serious health risk in Ghana, and new arrivals to the country should take the appropriate course of anti-malarial medication. Speak to your GP or travel doctor about this before leaving your home country. As mosquito bites transmit malaria, remember to take precautions, such as using mosquito repellent and sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net.
You should also be aware that water in Ghana can trigger illnesses. It’s advised to avoid drinking tap water and using ice cubes in drinks, and instead buy bottled water or boil and filter tap water before drinking it.
Pre-travel restrictions and vaccinations for Ghana
Before jetting off to Ghana, it’s wise to inform yourself on the essential pre-travel restrictions and jabs. The Ghanaian government requires all travellers to have a Yellow Fever vaccination, and new arrivals must present proof of vaccination upon entry.
The CDC generally recommends travellers get immunised against hepatitis A and B, meningitis, typhoid, and rabies. It’s wise to have malaria prophylaxis on hand to fend off the common bugs in the area. On top of these, keeping up with the routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and the yearly flu jab is key.
Beyond the jabs, it’s smart to keep an eye on any travel advisories on the radar.
Emergency services in Ghana
The standard of emergency medical services in Ghana is relatively low in most places, especially outside of major cities, where they are almost nonexistent. The ambulance service in Ghana saw a significant improvement in 2020 with the acquisition of new ambulances and staff, which has had a positive impact on response times and emergency services.
Most hospitals in Ghana, even private healthcare facilities, only have a few ambulances available, and waiting times can be prolonged. In some cases, it may be faster for patients to reach a hospital by car or taxi.
Alternatively, some expats rely on private companies that provide emergency services such as medical evacuation, as well as private ambulances and clinics.
In an emergency, expats can dial 193 for an ambulance, 192 for the fire department, and 191 for the police.