Healthcare in Ghana amidst the coronavirus pandemic: a narrative literature review

https://doi.org/10.4081/jphr.2021.2448
  • Gideon Dzando
    College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8852-7680
  • Seidu Salifu
    KAAF University College, Budumburam, Gomoa East District, Ghana.
  • Anthony Bimba Donyi
    Presbyterian University College, Asante Akyem Agogo, Ghana.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1665-4052
  • Hope Akpeke
    Department of Nursing, Jasikan District Hospital, Jasikan, Ghana.
  • Augustine Kumah
    Department of Quality and Public Health, Nyaho Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9408-2152
  • Rebecca Dordunu
    School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
  • Elisha A. Nonoh
    Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Berekum, Ghana.

ABSTRACT

The Coronavirus pandemic has caused more deaths than any other single disease since the outbreak was confirmed. The World Health Organization in collaboration with national and international health agencies continues to lead the way in bracing global healthcare systems to fight the pandemic. There are variations in national capacities towards the preparedness and management of the pandemic. The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, continues to provide policy and operational directions towards the containment of the pandemic. The purpose of this study is to review the setup of the healthcare sector in Ghana in light of the ongoing pandemic. This study is a narrative literature review in which data was extracted from electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Ebscohost that published Covid-19 research articles from Ghana. Literature was analyzed and discussed based on the structures and systems available in the healthcare sector, as well as trends available from the global perspective. The healthcare sector in Ghana continues to support the citizenry in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The government provides regular updates and continue to pledge their support in dealing with the effects of the pandemic. Challenges with accessibility, workforce, funding, and infrastructure remain the major hindrances in fighting the pandemic. The government and healthcare partners need to continually reform the healthcare system to meet the increasing demand for healthcare during the pandemic.