Research Article
Horizontal Inequity in Healthcare Delivery: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceptions of Locality and Costs of Access in the Jirapa Municipality, North-western Ghana
Maximillian Kolbe Domapielle,
Constance Awinpoka Akurugu,
Anna Mdee,
Corresponding Author
Maximillian Kolbe Domapielle
Department of Governance and Development Management, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana
Correspondence to: Maximillian Kolbe Domapielle, Department of Governance and Development Management, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana.
E-mail: mdomapielle@uds.edu.gh
Search for more papers by this authorConstance Awinpoka Akurugu
Department of Community Development, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana
Search for more papers by this authorAnna Mdee
School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Search for more papers by this authorMaximillian Kolbe Domapielle,
Constance Awinpoka Akurugu,
Anna Mdee,
Corresponding Author
Maximillian Kolbe Domapielle
Department of Governance and Development Management, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana
Correspondence to: Maximillian Kolbe Domapielle, Department of Governance and Development Management, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana.
E-mail: mdomapielle@uds.edu.gh
Search for more papers by this authorConstance Awinpoka Akurugu
Department of Community Development, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana
Search for more papers by this authorAnna Mdee
School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
This article provides evidence of horizontal inequity in the distribution of the burden and benefits of healthcare in north-western Ghana. A qualitative approach was used to collect and analyse the data on variation in perceptions of affordability of health services to rural and urban populations in the Jirapa Municipality of Ghana. The article argues that costs of transportation, food and lodging associated with seeking healthcare at the municipal referral hospital are disproportionately higher for rural residents. This leads to delayed medical treatment, self-medication or reliance on traditional medicines, all of which can come with harmful consequences. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open Research
Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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