1. HEALTH CARE AND HEALTH CARE EDUCATION IN GHANA
UCC

2. Background of Ghana

3. …Background of Ghana
Ghana is situated on the Gulf of Guinea in the south of the West African sub-region
Ghana is bordered by the Republic of Togo, the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso
It has a total land area of 239,460 km2
Total population as at mid 2016 is 28.2
Vast majority of the country’s land is tropical and partly savannah land
Two main seasons (Dry and Rainy)
The World Factbook – Ghana, 2009, world population data sheet, 2016

4. Births per 1,000 Population 33
Deaths per 1,000 Population 8
Infant Mortality Rate 41
Total Fertility Rate
4.2
Maternal deaths per 100,000 births
3189
Percent of Population Age
<15 = = 5
Percent of Married Women Using Contraception
All methods
Modern methods 35 29
Life expectancy at birth(years)
Males
Females 60 63
Percent ages with HIV/AIDS
1.3
2.0
Projected population
2030
2050
37.1
50.4

5. History of Healthcare in Ghana
Traditionally, village healers and clerics were the primary care givers of herbal remedies in the 16th century
Herbalists offered the most ready treatment of illness.
Western medicine was introduced by Christian missionaries to the Gold Coast in the 19th century.
The development of a new health care system began in this era (19th century).
La Verle, B. (1994). Health and Welfare. Ghana: A Country Study

6. … History of Healthcare in Ghana
Introduction of Public Works Department in 1893, to implement a working sanitation system.
In the 1880s, a Medical Department was formed, to introduce a formal medical system, consisting of:
A Laboratory Branch for research,
A Medical Branch of hospitals and clinics, and
The Sanitary Branch for public health.

7. … History of Healthcare in Ghana
The central government made a concentrated effort to expand medical facilities after World War I.
After World War II, WHO and UNCEF have been active in providing funds and support for health care provision in Ghana till now.
La Verle, B. (1994). Health and Welfare. Ghana: A Country Study

8. Structure of Healthcare in Ghana
Government
Health care administration
Ministry of health
Ghana health services
Health delivery structure in Ghana consist of:
Community-based health planning and services (chps)
The community health posts
Health centers or clinics,
District hospitals,
Regional hospitals, and
Tertiary hospitals.
Sudharshan, C. and Xiao, Y. (2001). Public Health and Education Spending in Ghana in (PDF). World Bank Publication. p. 21.

9. Health System Financing In Ghana
Sources of funding for health care programmes
The government of Ghana
Internally Generated Fund (IGF)
Donors-pooled Health Fund
Cash and carry system
National Health Insurance
Pharmaceutical industry consists of:
Importers
Manufacturers
Wholesalers and retailers
Source: Sudharshan, C. and Xiao, Y. (2001). Public Health and Education Spending in Ghana in (PDF). World Bank Publication. p. 21. Ghana Health Services, 2015

10. Common Diseases In Ghana
Top 10 Causes of Death
Diseases
Deaths
Percent
Influenza and Pneumonia
22,387
11.96
Stroke
18,258
9.8
Malaria
17,422
9.3
Coronary Heart Disease
12,125
6.5
HIV/AIDS
10,343
5.5
Low Birth Weight
7,876
4.2
Diarrhoeal diseases
7,589
4.1
Birth Trauma
7,261
4.0
Meningitis
6,310
3.4
Malnutrition
6,182
3.3
Source: WHO 2014

11. Medical Education and Training In Ghana
There are 7 Medical Schools (MSs) and
Public MSs = 5
Private MSs In Gh = 2
27 Nursing Training Colleges (NTCs) in Ghana
Public NTCs = 20
Private NTCs = 7
Medical education lasts 6 years in all the medical schools
Entry into medical schools are highly competitive

12. …Medical Education and Training In Ghana
4-year MP for graduate entry into medical program at UGMS for student with science-related degrees
Students graduating from any of the MSs get the MBChB degree and the title "Dr".
Medical graduates register provisionally with Medical and Dental Council (MDC) of Ghana as House Officers (Interns).

13. …Medical Education and Training In Ghana
Doctors permanently register with the MDC and can practice as medical officers (General Practitioners) anywhere in the country.
Specialization in any of the fields organized by either the West African college of Physicians and Surgeons or the Ghana College of Physician and Surgeons.
Medical officers sometimes get hired by the GHS in the Districts/Rural areas as Primary Care Physicians.

14. UCC Contribution to Medical Education and Training In Ghana
University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences (UCCSMS)
An institution with dynamic and open attitude to medical education.
Its strategic vision focuses on modern medical education.
Preserves the best from traditional medical curricula and embraces new and innovative methods of teaching and learning of proven value.

15. …UCC Contribution to Medical Education…
Curriculum is based on best practice from around the world.
Its in line with modernization within the Ghana Health Service and requirements of the MDC.
UCCSMS curriculum focuses on Community and Public Health.
Reason being that main burden of disease lies in causes rooted in the community.

16. …UCC Contribution to Medical Education…
Offers an exceptional academic programme designed around an innovative curriculum supported by modern instructional technology.
An approach to medical education that challenges students to think analytically.
Learning activity throughout the curriculum is problem-based.
Curriculum is characterized by the absence of discipline-oriented subjects.

17. …UCC Contribution to Medical Education…
Emphasis on integrated approach to the study of human structure and function in health and disease.
Active students involvement in the learning process.
UCCSMS course is founded on clinical skills training and early contact with patients, with emphasis on community orientation. 
Training students receive ensures that, after graduation, they the best prepared medical graduates in the country.
Source:

18. …UCC Contribution to Medical Education…
Students are called to be diligent and committed to their programme of study.
UCCSMS does not compromise on the rigor of its standards.
Discipline is the major determinant of success at the school.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery
Source:

19. Future of Healthcare in Ghana
E -Health activities in Ghana
Equal healthcare for all
Expansion of NHIS
Afarikumah, E. (2014). Electronic Health In Ghana: Current Status And Future Prospects. Online J Public Health Inform; 5(3): 230.

20. Challenges
Funding
Personnel
Resources

21. Thank You