Assessment of the Efficiency of the Ghana National Health Insurance Using Network Analysis

Abstract

This study sought to assess the efficiency of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana. Data was obtained from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) website in Ghana. We divided the NHIS into four main zones (Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western zone) and grouped per the number of facilities under the NHIA (hospital, clinic, pharmacy, government disbursement) weighted against the number of referrals, the number of professional staffs and funding. Network analysis and regression methodology was used to study and analyze the data. Our result showed that the number of professional staff and funding were insignificant in some zones. However, the overall analysis showed that the number of professional staff had a positive influence on the NHIA network; there was a positive flow of information within the network, which facilitate the number of referrals within the network. Funding was insignificant because the first aim of the NHIA was to meet subscribers’ satisfaction and alleviate the cost of treatment. Efficiency can be improved by establishing a system that validates and controls the bodies under the NHIA.