Bridging Specialist Gaps: Outcomes and Lessons from a Surgical Outreach Initiative in Rural Ghana as a Pathway to Universal Health Coverage
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Background
Limited access to essential surgical care in rural Ghana contributes to health inequities and hinders progress toward Universal Health Coverage. Integrating surgical services into primary health care is vital in resource-limited settings.
Methods
We implemented a specialist-led surgical outreach in Kwahu Afram Plains North District, Ghana, using community mobilization and interdisciplinary collaboration. Patients were screened for medical eligibility and NHIS coverage. Data on demographics, diagnoses, procedures, outcomes at 14, 30, and 90 days, and programme costs were collected and analyzed descriptively.
Results
Of 200 patients screened, 185 were eligible for surgery. Inguinal hernia, uterine fibroids, and non-toxic goitre were the most common conditions. All patients achieved successful post-operative outcomes at each time point. Programme costs totaled 216,000 Ghana cedis, with NHIS and civil society support.
Conclusion
Specialist-led surgical outreach, integrated into primary care, can effectively expand surgical access and support progress toward UHC in rural, resource-constrained settings.
