With the introduction of “cash and carry” system in the health sector in Ghana in 1985, it became difficult for
many people to afford orthodox health care. In Nkoranza district, this problem manifested itself in low
attendance of in-patient care (admissions) at St. Theresa’s Hospital (the only hospital in the district, a Catholic
hospital). In addition, some of the patients who were hospitalised absconded after treatment because they could
not afford to pay their medical bills. Consequently, in 1989, at Catholic Diocesan Health Committee (DHC)
meeting at Sunyani, it was suggested that a community financing health insurance scheme be established in the
district in order to reduce the hardship of the people in seeking in-patient treatment. The scheme was launched
and became operational in 1992. The objectives of this study was to examine the impact of the scheme on inpatient
healthcare services at the health facility in the district. It became evident from the study that insured inpatient
attendance at St. Theresa’s Hospital from 1992 to 1998 increased with the scheme, constituting 52% of
total admissions within the period.