Is The Sub- District Concept Working? A Study of The Sub-District Health System in The HO District.

ABSTRACT 

The Primary Health Care in Ghana which started as fa r back as 1978 is based on the three tier structure namely the District; subdistrict and community levels. The Subdistrict level is to act as a link between the District level and the Community level. However, the subdistrict level was recognised as a weak link in translating policies into significant health impact by the Ministry o f Health, (MOH). In an attempt to address these problems, subdistrict health systems were form ed in the country to provide essential health services within defined catchment areas. The subdistrict concept has been operating fo r over three years. This study aimed at determining whether the concept is working in the Ho District. The general objectives were to verify whether the subdistrict health system is working in the Ho district and to identify factors adversely affecting the system and suggest solutions. A descriptive study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected using a checklist, a questionnaire, an interview guide, a discussion giude and available health information in the district.

The Primary Health Care in Ghana which started as fa r back as 1978 is based on the three tier structure namely the District; subdistrict and community levels. The Subdistrict level is to act as a link between the District level and the Community level. However, the subdistrict level was recognised as a weak link in translating policies into significant health impact by the Ministry o f Health, (MOH). In an attempt to address these problems, subdistrict health systems were form ed in the country to provide essential health services within defined catchment areas. The subdistrict concept has been operating fo r over three years. This study aimed at determining whether the concept is working in the Ho District. The general objectives were to verify whether the subdistrict health system is working in the Ho district and to identify factors adversely affecting the system and suggest solutions. A descriptive study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected using a checklist, a questionnaire, an interview guide, a discussion giude and available health information in the district.