Medical Tourism in Ghana: A History

Abstract

Medical tourism can be defined as the process of travelling outside of an individual’s country to another to seek medical care. The current research studies medical tourism in Ghana historically, focusing on Korle Bu Teaching hospital in Accra and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumase. Using a qualitative research approach, the study provides a historical argument on the continuities and discontinuities of medical tourism in Ghana. Indeed, medical tourism has undergone several transitions over time. To emphasize, the current contribution has thoroughly discussed the evolution of medical tourism in Ghana, the pull and push factors of medical tourism, its impact on the local health systems and the need to further promote it. The study concludes among other things that the improvement of medical facilities, personnel and equipment among other things will enhance the medical tourism prospects of the country.