Medical rehabilitation in Ghana.

PURPOSE

To explore the current system of medical rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities in a developing country (Ghana) and to identify future needs, opportunities, and barriers.

METHODS

Information was obtained through a literature review and through interviews with healthcare providers, disabled people's organizations, educators, government officials, and consumers. Direct observations were made of Ghana's capital city, Accra, and of a major tertiary medical center there, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

RESULTS

Ghana has virtually no medical rehabilitation and few laws to protect the disabled. There are no occupational therapists or physiatrists in the entire country, and only a handful of physical therapists, prosthetists, orthotists, and speech therapists. There are many barriers to the establishment of such services, including lack of funding, limited government support, cultural stigma of the disabled and poor utilization of existing resources.

CONCLUSIONS

A national model for sustainable medical rehabilitation is needed in Ghana and likely in other similar countries.