CAPITATION IN HEALTHCARE FINANCING IN GHANA.

OBJECTIVE To analyse implementation of the pilot study of the per capita system of healthcare financing in Ghana in 2012 for a determination of the likelihood of realising the inherent theoretical benefits when the system is rolled out nationally. DESIGN AND SETTING First, publicly available information on how the pilot unfolded is presented, followed by the reaction of the health authorities to these developments. We then analysed accrued evidence on costs and developments vis-à-vis the theoretical benefits. RESULTS It would appear that preparation for the pilot exercise could have been handled better. Concerns include i) the low level of both education and awareness of the capitation system among healthcare subscribers and primary care providers; ii) confusion about service provider to whom subscribers had been assigned for the capitation period; and iii) service providers not understanding differences between capitation financing and financing under the Ghana diagnostic Related Grouping; and iv) some indication of cost savings. CONCLUSION Cost savings may be available nationally. This is important because cost containment is the driving force behind the introduction of the capitation system.