Ghana
Healthcare quality & costs · 2023
Limited — 35.0/100 Private systemHealthcare index trend
Africa comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunisia | 51.3 | 76.5 yrs | $14 | 1.30 | 92.0% |
| Morocco | 47.0 | 74.5 yrs | $19 | 0.70 | 62.0% |
| South Africa | 44.0 | 64.6 yrs | $43 | 0.90 | 45.0% |
| Egypt | 40.6 | 72.2 yrs | $12 | 0.70 | 55.0% |
| Ghana | 35.0 | 63.8 yrs | $12 | 0.20 | 40.0% |
| Kenya | 34.3 | 66.4 yrs | $10 | 0.20 | 18.0% |
| Nigeria | 29.3 | 54.5 yrs | $14 | 0.40 | 5.0% |
| Tanzania | 27.3 | 65.2 yrs | $8 | 0.04 | 32.0% |
| Ethiopia | 25.6 | 67.5 yrs | $5 | 0.10 | 4.0% |
Healthcare in Ghana — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Ghana in 2023?
Ghana scores 35.0 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2023, rated as "Limited". Life expectancy is 63.8 years. The country runs a Primarily private (limited public safety net) and spends 4.20% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Ghana?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Ghana costs approximately $12 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $53 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Ghana?
Public healthcare in Ghana covers only 40.0% of the population. A significant portion of the population pays out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Health expenditure stands at 4.20% of GDP.
How much is private health insurance in Ghana?
Average private health insurance in Ghana costs approximately $27 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Ghana have?
Ghana relies primarily on private healthcare. Public coverage is limited to 40.0% of the population. Most residents use employer-sponsored or individual private insurance.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Ghana?
Ghana has 0.2 doctors per 1,000 people. This is below the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 0.90 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Ghana?
Life expectancy in Ghana is 63.8 years in 2023, compared to the Africa average of 67.2 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Ghana?
The infant mortality rate in Ghana is 33 deaths per 1,000 live births. This rate reflects significant challenges in maternal healthcare, nutrition and access to medical services.
How does Ghana compare to other Africa countries?
Ghana ranks 5 out of 9 Africa countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 35.0/100 is -2.2pp below the Africa average of 37.2/100. Life expectancy is -3.4 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Ghana?
Foreign nationals and expats in Ghana typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.
Is Ghana a good destination for medical tourism?
Ghana is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Ghana?
A hospital stay in Ghana costs approximately $53 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Ghana's healthcare improving?
Ghana's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 33.7/100 to 36.2/100. Life expectancy also rose from 63.4 to 64.1 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Ghana?
Hospital quality in Ghana varies significantly. Urban private hospitals generally meet international standards, while rural public facilities may face resource constraints. The country has 0.90 beds per 1,000 people and 0.20 doctors per 1,000.