When you move to a new country, healthcare jumps to the top of the list. You ask simple questions. Will good healthcare be available? Will I be able to afford it? And the list goes on. For diasporans, those questions matter most. They shaped my early weeks in Africa, and they will likely also shape yours. They also guided a visit that taught me a lot about healthcare in Ghana.
Let me be direct. My visit to Shiloh Medical Centre changed how I think about healthcare in Ghana. It showed me that quality care exists. It also showed me how important planning is. Below I share the whole story. I include costs, the process, and clear tips for diasporans navigating healthcare in Ghana.
Healthcare in Ghana: a quick reality check
First, a simple truth: healthcare in Ghana is available, but access often depends on money or insurance. Public hospitals usually cost less. Private facilities often cost more. However, private clinics tend to run faster and provide a more comfortable experience, which is why many diasporans prefer them.
Second, understand that the system is mixed. You will find modern clinics that can easily rival Western standards. At the same time, you will also come across facilities that clearly need improvement. That’s why doing your homework is critical. Research the options in your area before you need them. That preparation will pay off in the moment of need.
Alternative Herbal Medicine
Another major factor in healthcare in Ghana is herbal medicine. Herbal care is deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, and you will find local herbal clinics almost everywhere you go. These are not your typical medical centers with doctors in white coats and nurses in uniforms. Instead, they are often run by experienced practitioners who understand the value and use of herbs. I have personally used herbal medicine before, and in some cases, it worked just as well as conventional treatment.
Still, caution is necessary. The herbal sector is not as tightly regulated, and unfortunately, some people may mix random herbs and sell them just to make quick money. That is why you must do proper research before choosing an herbalist. Even better, let a trusted local guide you toward the most reputable practitioners. With the right advice, you can access the safe and effective side of Ghana’s herbal tradition while avoiding the risks.
My Shiloh Medical Centre experience — why I went
One morning I woke up dizzy. I didn’t panic. Yet I did not ignore it. I wanted to check blood pressure and blood sugar. I wanted to be sure the dizziness was not serious.
I had visited private clinics in Ghana before, so I expected decent care. No one advised me where to go this time. I chose Shiloh Medical Centre because it seemed reliable and was referred to me by a local friend.
In short: I wanted quick answers and peace of mind. I also wanted solid care. This led to to the Shiloh Center.
First impressions at Shiloh Medical Centre
When I arrived, the place looked fairly up to standard. It wasn’t perfect. Still, it matched what I expected from a good private clinic. The reception area felt welcoming. The rooms looked clean. The staff seemed professional and friendly.
That first moment mattered. It calmed me. It told me I could trust the facility to handle my checks. It was not too crowded, which was good.
The visit — step by step
I registered at reception and explained the dizziness I was feeling. The nurse quickly checked my blood pressure, then I went on to do a blood sugar test and a basic blood test. Altogether, the visit lasted about two and a half hours from the moment I arrived to the time I left.
The process moved smoothly from start to finish. The staff explained each step clearly, and I never felt rushed. At the same time, I didn’t feel like I was waiting endlessly, which often happens in other countries. In fact, the entire visit was shorter than I expected, and that efficiency left a strong impression on me.
Of course, I should add a small note of realism: I believe what helped keep the wait time short was the fact that the clinic was not very crowded that day. On busier days, the experience might be different, and wait times could stretch depending on how many people are seeking care.
The cost — real numbers and perspective
Now the part many readers ask about: cost. I spent GH₵750, roughly $70 USD. I had expected to pay between $50 and $100, so the price fit my budget.
To compare: in Canada, I don’t usually pay directly for care, but if I had to, similar tests would likely cost hundreds of dollars. In Jamaica, I once paid about JMD 35,000 (around $225 USD) for a doctor visit and medication.
So, for me, the cost of healthcare in Ghana felt reasonable. It felt affordable when compared to those places.
Would insurance have reduced the cost? I think so. I’m not certain of exact numbers. My expectation was that insurance would drop my out-of-pocket share to around 10% of the bill. In other words, insurance would likely cover most of the cost. That assumption convinced me to sign up for coverage.
Accessing healthcare in Ghana: what I learned
After that visit, I walked away with several firm takeaways about accessing healthcare in Ghana:
Plan ahead with insurance. Don’t wait until you get sick. Whether you use the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) or private insurance, get covered early.
Research your local clinics. Know the options in your city or town. Identify a clinic you trust before you need it.
Keep a local pharmacy in mind. Pharmacies can fulfill prescriptions quickly. They also give useful local advice.
Be open-minded. Ghana’s healthcare may work differently than Western systems. Still, it can deliver excellent care.
Consider traditional options carefully. Herbal medicine is part of the landscape. Use it wisely and alongside conventional care when appropriate.
These steps made the whole experience feel manageable. They also made me more confident about living in Ghana long term.
Would I recommend Shiloh Medical Centre?
Yes. I would recommend Shiloh Medical Centre to diasporans and visitors. The staff treated me very well. The service moved quickly. The facility looked modern enough for routine checks and screenings.
The address to the clinic is:
- Afienya, Ghana
- box tn 1635, Teshie-Nungua Esates, Accra
Telephone: 233-248184224
Email: shilohmedcenter@gmail.com
That said, Ghana has a range of facilities. In Accra and other major cities, you will find even more advanced hospitals. Those places can cost more. But they exist. You have choices.
Healthcare for diasporans in Ghana — practical tips
Let me boil it down into a short checklist that helped me and can help you:
Get insurance before you move. This is the single best step to reduce unexpected costs.
Budget extra for health. Even if you don’t use it, the buffer will reduce stress.
Find a trusted clinic and pharmacy. Save the contact info. Visit once for orientation.
Document your medical history. Bring records, especially for chronic conditions.
Ask locals for recommendations. They will point you to good, affordable options.
Stay open but cautious about herbal medicine. Research it and consult a clinician.
Follow those steps. You will navigate healthcare in Ghana more confidently.
A personal and spiritual note
This visit felt more than medical to me. It felt spiritual. I saw God’s provision in practical ways. I saw friendly faces. I felt guided to the right people.
Living in Ghana requires trust and planning. The two together bring peace. That peace made the minor worry about dizziness fade. It also deepened my gratitude.
Final thoughts: healthcare in Ghana and the diasporan journey
In short, healthcare in Ghana works. It may not be identical to what you know in the West. Yet it can be accessible and affordable. Your experience will improve dramatically if you plan.
For diasporans, the message is clear: prepare first, then relax. Get insurance. Know your clinics. Budget for health. With that approach, you can enjoy life here without constant worry.
My visit to Shiloh Medical Centre gave me peace of mind. It showed me that a good firsthand experience is possible. It taught me practical lessons that I now use every day.
If you’re thinking of moving to Ghana or staying for a long while, take this as encouragement. Healthcare in Ghana can meet your needs. With a little planning, you will find the care you need — and the peace that comes with it.
