Accra: The government has uncapped the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), injecting approximately GH?3.4 billion this year to enhance the scheme for effective healthcare access. The capping policy had previously limited the revenue from the National Health Insurance Levy allocated to the health insurance fund.
According to Ghana News Agency, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced that the government's decision to uncap the NHIS is part of efforts to strengthen the scheme, aimed at addressing co-payment or illegal charging and ensuring effective free primary healthcare for all Ghanaians. While delivering the keynote address on behalf of Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang at the NHIA's two-day Stakeholders' Conference in Accra, Debrah noted the move has already shown positive outcomes through timely disbursements and increased provider confidence.
Current figures indicate that the total amount of funds disbursed by the NHIA to healthcare providers this year stands at GH?2.8 billion. The conference, themed 'Consolidating Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient and Inclusive Health Insurance Scheme,' emphasizes the government's commitment to enhancing the NHIS.
Debrah praised the Authority's zero-tolerance campaign against illegal charges, known as co-payments, noting that these unauthorized payments undermine the NHIS's purpose. He stressed the need for intensified public education to promote the scheme and correct misconceptions about its operations.
Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed the government's dedication to strengthening the NHIS through sustainable funding, realistic tariffs, and decisive reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Akandoh highlighted measures for realistic tariffs and strong domestic resource mobilization as key factors for the scheme's sustainability. He condemned the persistent illegal charges, urging the NHIA to reward compliant facilities while sanctioning those exploiting patients.
Regarding the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, the Minister reiterated the government's resolve to expedite the Policy, allowing all Ghanaians, insured or not, to access essential health services at no cost. Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, CEO of the NHIA, revealed that the NHIS currently covers 95 percent of all health conditions with 16.5 million active members, targeting 20 million by year's end.
Dr. Bampoe outlined initiatives such as the Co-payment Taskforce, MyNHIS App, cashless premium collection, and telehealth services to enhance healthcare accessibility and transparency. He commended the Goaso Municipal Hospital for eliminating co-payments and encouraged other facilities to follow suit.
The two-day conference in Accra brings together policymakers, health experts, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen collaboration towards achieving universal health coverage.