Ghanaians seeking care at various healthcare facilities are paying extra for utility bills in public health facilities.
Per the directive issued by the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Ebenezer Appiah Denkyira on May 12, 2015, public hospitals will charge GH¢5 and health centres GH¢2.
This according to the letter is a “cost sharing of hospital utilities with out-patient clients and those on admission.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”t0uSqPKOCZofrmW8alsWP0BIgd6eASAk”]The letter further directed that “this should be charged in consultations with regional health directors, MMDAs and traditional authorities before the charges come into effect.”
Citi News’ checks at some health facilities in the Western Region indicated that the directive has already taken effect
At the Takoradi Government hospital, there were notices pasted at various locations which read: “Dear client, with effect from 1st June 2015, you are required to pay utility fee of GH5 per daily admission/OPD attendance and receipt shown at the various service points.”
The move Citi News can confirm has sparked some discomfort for those seeking care in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis.
Patients in the Upper East region kicked against a similar directive to health facilities in the region.
The directive was subsequently withdrawn because of the public outcry.
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By: Obrempong Yaw Ampofo/citifmonline.com/Ghana