The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, when a group of aggrieved individuals, reportedly affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), stormed the NHIS office and locked the premises, preventing staff from carrying out their duties. The protest disrupted operations, affecting residents who rely on the scheme for healthcare registration and related services.

According to reports, the demonstration was led by the NDC Tema Central Constituency Chairman, Benjamin Iams Djakumah, with support from other constituency executives. The group expressed frustration over recent appointments to positions within the NHIS and other public institutions in the area, claiming that local party structures were overlooked and several qualified members sidelined.

In response to the escalating tension, Mayor Bright visited the NHIS office on Wednesday, February 11, to engage staff and assure them of their safety.

Addressing the workers, she emphasized that disruptions to public institutions would not be tolerated and clarified that appointment decisions were not made by constituency executives or the metropolitan assembly.

“Don’t embarrass my government by suggesting that appointments are made by constituency executives or the mayor. Have you seen me inside your office before? I expect you to do your job. I will engage you to deliver. Whoever here feels that they are going to foment trouble—this is not in my metro,” she said.

She added that security personnel have been instructed to protect staff, underlining her responsibility to ensure their safety. “If you feel that you are going to compromise this, it means that you are ready to compromise yourself,” Mayor Bright warned.

The Mayor also cautioned against actions that could tarnish the government’s image or undermine public confidence in state institutions, reaffirming her commitment to maintaining order and ensuring uninterrupted public service delivery in the metropolis.

Speaking to Adom News, the Asunafo South District Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Obeng Manu Gyau, said the exercise aimed to enroll people who had never registered with the scheme and to renew expired memberships, improving access to healthcare.

He explained that the initiative, fully funded by the MP—who also serves as Minister for Food and Agriculture—has brought relief to beneficiaries who were previously unable to afford the cost of registration and renewal due to financial constraints.

According to him, the exercise has significantly boosted the district’s NHIS membership drive.

Meanwhile, the Ahafo Regional Director of NHIA, Mawuli George, said the Authority is intensifying efforts to increase active NHIS membership as the year draws to a close. He noted that while female enrolment in the region is improving, more men need to be encouraged to subscribe to the scheme.

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Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, December 1, 2025, Mr. Akandoh explained that the decision follows years of complaints from health facilities that the current tariffs do not reflect the true cost of care.

“Beginning next year, we’re going to increase the tariff in the NHIS to service providers. They have long complained that the tariffs are unrealistic, and so the government has decided to raise them by 120% on average. I believe this will be a game-changer,” he said.

The Minister added that the adjustment aims to boost the quality of healthcare delivery, restore confidence among providers, and ultimately improve services for NHIS subscribers.

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Speaking to Adom News during a monitoring visit to Ntotroso, where she was accompanied by the District Chief Executive, the Minister said the initiative seeks to register about 10,000 people as active NHIS members under the MahamaCares programme.

According to her, the exercise targets individuals who have never been enrolled on the scheme as well as those whose cards have become inactive due to financial challenges.

She emphasized that the registration drive will cover all communities within the district.

“We want everyone, regardless of financial status, to have access to quality healthcare. This initiative will make that possible,” said Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister.

The District Chief Executive, Hafiz Dauda, and the Asutifi District NHIS Manager, Joseph Sarkodie, commended the Minister’s initiative and encouraged residents to take advantage of the free registration.

They confirmed that the exercise will be extended to all 68 communities in the district, with a target of enrolling 10,000 new members by the end of 2025.

“This is a commendable effort to ensure no one is left out of healthcare coverage,” Hafiz Dauda and Joseph Sarkodie stated.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Akandoh said the government has ensured that facilities are paid monthly, marking a significant improvement over past delays.

“There is no facility under NHIS that can say they haven’t been paid. From January to June, all payments have been made,” he emphasized.

He further disclosed that nursing training allowances are being paid consistently, except during vacation periods, and that school feeding allowances have also been settled.

“This government is very strategic. We make sure our commitments are met on time,” the minister stated.

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Speaking at a stakeholders’ conference organised by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Accra, Mr. Debrah said the move, implemented under the Mahama administration, is aimed at boosting the financial sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

“Ten months into our administration, I am pleased to report that we have already uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy, which will make available an extra GH₵3.4 billion into the fund this year,” he stated.

He explained that the initiative will help clear delays in claims payments, enhance efficiency, and build stronger confidence among healthcare providers. So far, the NHIA has disbursed GH₵2.8 billion to service providers this year, with funds now being released more promptly to improve compliance and expand membership.

Mr. Debrah emphasized that the measure, alongside the Mahama Cares Programme, underscores government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and citizen well-being.

Source: AdomOnline

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Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Mr. Mahama said the current situation is undermining the efficiency gains made through digital health systems over the past decade.

According to him, storing patient information manually makes it harder for doctors and nurses to access the data they need for diagnosis and treatment.

He noted that such delays can be dangerous in emergencies.

“Once data is stored manually and physical files are kept at a registry, it becomes difficult to trace patient records,” he said. “These unnecessary delays can sometimes cause unnecessary loss of lives.”

Kabiru further explained that digital systems were initially adopted to solve these very challenges by making patient records accessible in real-time and improving coordination among medical staff.

However, the recent disruption of the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) has forced some health facilities to revert to manual and semi-digital procedures.

The setback stems from ongoing financial disagreements between the Ministry of Health and Lightwave eHealthcare Solutions Limited, the private company that has operated the LHIMS platform for more than ten years.

Despite its central role in managing digital patient records and processing insurance claims nationwide, the company has reportedly not been paid for months, leaving its operations unstable.

Kabiru also pointed out that some service providers are now struggling to maintain old or outdated digital infrastructure.

“We have situations where equipment and software have become obsolete due to a lack of investment,” he said.

“Once that happens, health facilities cannot keep up with the times or maintain consistent service.”

The Ghana Health Service and the National Health Insurance Authority have yet to announce a long-term solution to the disruptions, though interim measures are being implemented.

Source: myjoyonline

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With the scheme currently providing coverage for about 95% of illnesses, the establishment of the Medical Trust Fund, dubbed Mahama Cares, and the planned introduction of free primary healthcare, the Authority believes total coverage is within reach.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement with private health insurers, acting Chief Executive of NHIA, Dr Victor Bampoe, expressed confidence that the reforms underway will make the vision of full coverage achievable.

“Every Ghanaian everywhere can actually access healthcare without financial hardship, and by 2030, we want to ensure that we have universal health coverage across Ghana. Starting with the NHIS as it exists now, we already take care of about 95% of all disease conditions.

“So, there is the Mahama Cares initiative, the regular NHIS, and the upcoming free primary healthcare, which will help diagnose diseases quicker, screen people earlier, and provide preventive medicines,” he said.

Also speaking at the stakeholder engagement, the acting Director of the Private Health Insurance Industry, Dr William Omane-Adjeikum, raised concerns about the role of telecommunication companies in offering health insurance packages.

According to him, their activities remain largely unregulated and pose risks to the growth and sustainability of the private health insurance sector.

“There is a growing menace of some telecommunication companies partnering with certain insurance companies to roll out products that also include health insurance. These products are not known to the National Health Insurance Authority.

“The Authority is therefore sounding a caution to companies in partnership with telecom operators to desist from offering products that have any component or semblance of health insurance,” he said.

While the Authority insists it is on course to deliver universal health coverage by 2030, private sector players caution that tighter regulation and oversight will be crucial to safeguard the industry and ensure the ambitious target is met.

Source: Myjoyonline

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The Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Wisdom Yayra Kwaku Deku, has revealed that several key state institutions owe the Authority substantial sums for services rendered.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, September 21, 2025, he disclosed that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) owes the NIA $58 million, the Passport Office $22 million, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) a staggering $377 million.

Mr. Deku warned that these institutions risk disconnection from the NIA’s biometric system by October 1, 2025, if the debts are not cleared.

“In total, NHIS owes us $58 million, Passport Office $22 million, and GRA $377 million. I have given a directive that by October 1, all institutions that have not settled their debts will be disconnected,” he stated.

He noted, however, that commercial banks, though indebted, remain consistent with payments because they rely heavily on the NIA’s services for daily transactions.

“The banks do pay because if you don’t pay, we will disconnect you — and that means the whole day you cannot perform any transaction,” he explained.

Mr. Deku further disclosed that the government currently owes Margins ID Group — the NIA’s private partner in Ghana’s National Identification System — between $64 million and $68 million under the Government Support Agreement.

The NIA and Margins ID Group operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to manage the Ghana Card and the national identification system.

Source: Adom Online

They say many of the drugs prescribed to them are not included in the NHIS, forcing them to purchase from private pharmacies at high costs.

The patients believe that broadening the NHIS drug list would reduce their financial burden and improve access to quality healthcare.

Hospital authorities have acknowledged the challenge and have also called for a review of the NHIS drug policy.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah has urged patients to continue adhering to the prescriptions of medical officers.

Source: Augustine Boah

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The initiative seeks to provide continuous support for renal patients covered by the NHIS. NHIA’s Deputy Chief Executive of Operations, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, assured beneficiaries of this commitment while addressing the 2024 Annual Performance Review Meeting of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

The event, themed “Transforming Service Delivery Through Professional Excellence and Ethical Practice,” brought together key NHIA officials, including the Director of Special Initiatives and Liaison to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anthony Gingong, and Director of Financial Accounting, Dr. Gustav Cruickshank.

Dr. Djokoto’s presence was part of the maiden working visit of NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe to the Northern and Upper East Regions.

“With this move, I am certain that there will be no interruption to the services being rendered by accredited facilities,” he assured.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between the NHIA and teaching hospitals to enhance the free primary healthcare agenda.

“The Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) was launched on Wednesday. It will adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing chronic illnesses. For individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and those requiring interventions like dialysis, a visionary policy is necessary to support them in mitigating the devastating financial consequences of their conditions,” he added.

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Dr. Aboagye described the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as being at its most effective stage in the nation’s history, citing recent initiatives and investments that have improved healthcare delivery.

Dr. Aboagye made these remarks following the government’s official launch of the Free Dialysis Treatment Program for renal disease patients, effective December 1, 2024.

“This initiative demonstrates the government’s focus on improving healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations.”

Ahead of the program’s rollout, Dr. Aboagye said engaged leaders of 40 health facilities designated for the implementation process.

He urged them to avoid illegal charges, stressing the government’s commitment to transparency and accessibility.

During the pilot stage, the NHIA paid over GHS 1.5 million to several teaching hospitals, including:

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)

Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH)

Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH)

Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH)

Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH)

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH)

Dr. Aboagye revealed on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday that to avoid overburdening staff, NHIA will deploy two additional personnel to each of the hospitals involved in the program.

Additionally, the NHIA plans to intensify public education and monitor hospital activities to ensure the program’s success.

In just two months, he noted President Akufo-Addo’s administration has paid GHS 1 billion in claims to hospitals.

Dr. Aboagye expressed optimism about the impact of these payments on staff morale and service delivery.

“NHIS now funds 95 percent of primary skin disease treatments and has become more attractive than ever” he said.

Dr. Aboagye therefore encouraged Ghanaians to appreciate the strides made under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.

“The President has done so well for our healthcare system. Let’s not spoil his name” he appealed.

DACOSTA ON FREE DIALYSIS

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The selected facilities include major healthcare providers such as Hart Adventist Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Holy Family Hospital in Berekum, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Eastern Regional Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, and Newtown Islamic Hospital Ltd.

Other hospitals on the list are Ghana Police Hospital, Trust Hospital Premium Centre, Ridge Regional Hospital, International Maritime Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Upper West Regional Hospital, Ho Teaching Hospital, Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, and Takoradi Hospital.

This initiative follows Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent announcement that free dialysis treatment for kidney patients under the NHIS would commence on December 1, 2024.

Dr. Bawumia emphasized the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on kidney patients and their families, noting that the new policy builds on a successful pilot programme launched earlier this year. The pilot targeted patients aged over 60 and under 18, providing critical support to vulnerable groups.

Under the updated scheme, all registered kidney patients covered by the NHIS will have access to free dialysis services at the designated hospitals.

To address concerns about resource readiness, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has assured the public of its preparedness. Additional dialysis machines are being distributed to the selected facilities to meet anticipated demand.

Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, CEO of the NHIA, confirmed that funding from the World Bank has been secured to support the rollout.

He expressed optimism that the policy would improve access to life-saving dialysis treatments and alleviate the plight of kidney patients nationwide.

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This latest disbursement, covering claims for April and May 2024, highlights the NHIA’s ongoing commitment to improving the sustainability and efficiency of healthcare delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The NHIA’s dedication to financial support has been evident throughout the year, with a series of disbursements aimed at settling outstanding claims and maintaining strong partnerships with healthcare providers.

This continued financial backing from the NHIA not only enhances the quality of care provided to NHIS members but also supports the operational needs of healthcare facilities. The NHIA remains committed to engaging with stakeholders to improve service delivery, claims processing, and payments, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to all NHIS subscribers.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has released GH¢400 million to address outstanding claims from healthcare providers nationwide.

This significant disbursement covers claims for April and May of this year and underscores the NHIA’s steadfast commitment to improving the sustainability and efficiency of healthcare delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

With a total of GH¢800 million allocated for providers, the NHIA’s timely release of funds aims to ensure that payments are made within the agreed three-month reimbursement period.

This substantial release not only bridges the debt gap but also reinforces the Authority’s commitment to a robust and efficient healthcare system.

Currently, the NHIS Benefit Package covers over 95 percent of disease conditions affecting residents and includes over 550 formulations on the NHIS medicines list, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all diseases under the scheme.

It expressed gratitude to healthcare providers for their dedication and crucial role in the success of the NHIS.

The NHIA assures stakeholders that it remains committed to engaging with them to address any concerns and improve the efficiency of service delivery, claims processing, and payments.

Find attached press release:

According to the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, the government has depleted the scheme’s levy, making access to healthcare, especially for the poor in rural areas difficult.

John Mahama claims that the depletion of the National Health Insurance Levy is jeopardizing the future and well-being of Ghanaians.

“The depletion of the National Health Insurance Levy is jeopardizing the future and well-being of Ghanaians.” He emphasized the impact on vulnerable populations, arguing that the current state of the NHIS undermines its core purpose of providing universal healthcare access.

Speaking to constituents in the Volta Region, Mr. Mahama urged the hundreds of youth and older people present to trust the NDC more than the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“The election is about choosing a candidate who can be trusted,” Mahama said, asserting his belief that he has been more transparent with Ghanaians than his main opponent.

He stated that, the election is about choosing a candidate who can be trusted, and he believes he has been more truthful to Ghanaians than his main opponent.

Mr. Mahama added that, his next administration would have feasible proposals to benefit all citizens.

Source: Kwame Anum

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Dr. Addo, in an interview with Adom News, explained that his research indicated residents of Kensere and nearby communities, predominantly small-scale farmers, struggled to access healthcare services due to a lack of NHIS coverage.

Recognizing this challenge, he decided to facilitate free NHIS registration for these residents.

The registration exercise focused on both new enrollments and renewals, with Dr. Addo believing that this initiative will significantly improve residents’ access to quality healthcare services.

Some beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Dr. Addo for prioritizing their health needs without politicizing the process, noting that the registration was open to everyone.

He argues that, it limits the scheme’s effectiveness in providing comprehensive healthcare coverage.

“One bad thing I feel the NPP government has done to Ghanaians is the capping of the NHIS,” he said.

Speaking during the second edition of Adom TV’s Badwam Sectorial Debate held at the Accra Digital Center on Friday, Prof Beyuo responded to claims by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the NHIS was established by its government under President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2003.

According to him, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) originally initiated and piloted the concept of health insurance in Ghana under former President Jerry John Rawlings.

However, the erstwhile Kufuor government passed the NHIS Act 650, which he claimed was misleadingly titled as it included provisions for District Mutual Health schemes, Private Mutual Health Insurance schemes, and commercial schemes, but not a national scheme.

He reiterated that, it was the NDC who transformed the system into a true national scheme.

“The NDC initiated health insurance with a National Health Insurance concept but faced strong opposition from the NPP, with Dr. Addo-Kufuor being particularly vocal. The concept of NHIS was first introduced under former president Jerry John Rawlings, who planned and piloted it.

“However, when the NPP came to power, they passed the NHIS Act, Act 650. This act established district mutual health schemes, private mutual health insurance schemes, and commercial ones, but there was no provision for a national scheme, despite the act being called a national insurance act. The NDC later repealed that act and established a truly national scheme,” Prof Beyuo explained.

Play attached audio below:

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This is to ensure that all SSNIT contributors, whose 2.5 per cent deductions are used to fund the NHIS, become automatic subscribers to the scheme.

Once their premiums are covered by SSNIT, the authority does not need to wait for them to voluntarily sign on to the mutual health insurance scheme.

The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHIA, Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, who disclosed this to journalists in Koforidua last weekend, said bringing SSNIT members, who were the second largest contributors to the health insurance fund, was one of four innovations the NHIA was pursuing to ensure the country achieved Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The others are expanding the scheme to visitors, formalising the system, improving the benefits with the introduction of the once a year checkup and ending illegal charges such as co-payments.

This was during a media and stakeholder engagement. Aside from selected key media, also present were representatives of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Medical Association, Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana, traditional authorities, the Board Chairman of NHIA, Dr Ernest K. P. Kwarko, and some directors and staff of the NHIA.

It was to have a frank discussion about the NHIS, the achievements and its strategic plans going forward.

Explanation

Dr Aboagye explained that data obtained from SSNIT indicated that there were about 2.3 million contributors to SSNIT whose deductions to NHIS were being made religiously.

However, only about one million had subscribed to the NHIS, leaving about 1.3 million SSNIT contributors out of the coverage of the health insurance scheme, the CEO said.

Furthermore, out of the one million NHIS subscribers, only about 650,000 were active users of their cards, with more than 400,000 SSNIT contributors being inactive NHIS members.

Dr Aboagye said in collaboration with the National Identification Authority (NIA) and SSNIT, the NHIA was now able to link the SSNIT contributors to their Ghana Cards which was being used for the automatic migration to make them NHIS subscribers.

The NHIA CEO said the one-month period of waiting when one signed on to the NHIS scheme had also been waived for SSNIT contributors, while they would also not have to pay any amount to become first-time subscribers.

Subsequently, the NHIA had been sending messages to all SSNIT contributors who are also subscribers of the NHIS, informing them of the automatic renewal of their membership when it expired in order to keep them perpetually on the scheme.

“This is a barrier, and the board has decided to take it away and automatically sign them on to have automatic access to the NHIS,” Dr Aboagye stated.

The CEO also explained the barrier removals would also extend into the informal sector, as well as children between the ages of six and 14 years.

“The Ghana Card holds the key to realising the UHC,” Dr Aboagye said, adding that the board had also taken the decision to formalise the informal sector’s participation in the NHIS by making the Ghana Card the only card to be used for subscribing onto the scheme.

He said while the NHIS cards with five-year expiry date cost between $4 and $6, the Ghana Card with a 10-year expiry period cost between $6 and $7.

It was, therefore, better to make the Ghana Card the primary identity management tool for the scheme to encourage subscription, while enabling the about 28 million existing subscribers with many expired and inactive cards to stay active on the scheme, Dr Aboagye explained.

“The card and the premiums subscribers pay contribute less than three per cent of our budget. Hence, removing the barrier to subscription by making the Ghana Card the medium for joining would help achieve the UHC faster,” the CEO of NHIA stated.

Identity management space

While birth registry by the Ghana Health Service and the Births and Deaths Registry occurs for infants aged between zero and five years, and the Ghana Card covering teenagers from 15 years and above, the only group left from the identity management space is children between six years and 14 years.

That had informed the NHIA to cede its card printing duties to the NIA so that subscribers could obtain the Ghana Card once and also use it as their NHIS membership cards, with their medical information imbedded in it.

To remove barriers to ages six-14 group signing on to the NHIS, the NHIA has liaised with the NIA to issue Ghana Cards to all such persons, with the pilot scheduled to start in five districts shortly.

Preventive, health promotion

Dr Aboagye said since its 20-year existence, the NHIS had focused on curative health services, but it was time to incorporate the preventive healthcare claims.

He said a committee was working on the preventive health system, where subscribers would be encouraged to go for health check-ups once a year, for a start, in order to diagnose ailments early for treatment before they became acute or chronic, which put more impact on the scheme.

Dialysis

Throwing light on the authority’s recent announcement to pick up the cost for dialysis patients, Dr Aboagye described it as an important intervention which respected no party colours.

In a correspondence informing the facilities about the benefit package, the NHIA added a claims form to ensure that anybody who paid for the service any day within the first week of implementation would be reimbursed.

“Management of the NHIA reiterates that under this programme, the patients shall not be charged for dialysis treatment per the benefit package stated above. Kindly note that should the patient be charged, the authority shall reimburse the patient after all necessary reconciliations have been concluded upon claims submission,” the NHIA boss wrote.

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The fund, he said, can help support and cater for the dialysis expenses the patients would have to cover so as to ease their financial burden.

The former MP spoke on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show on Tuesday while discussing the six-month free dialysis support programme initiated by the NHIS.

“Can we set up a fund? Can we put just 20 pesewas on most of these our fuels and all those taxes that we do to support them, like they’re doing for the cardiothoracic centre? I’ve seen a businessman who makes water and says that when you buy it, this amount goes there. Are we so bereft of ideas that we cannot do this? Interestingly, this kidney disease, no matter how rich you are, can really eat into your resources and frustrate you.”

Additionally, he opined that the whole populace has the capacity to assist such patients rather than sitting on the fence and allowing the NHIS finances to go to waste.

The comments come after the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) announced the commencement of a six-month free dialysis support programme for renal patients from June to December 2024.

The decision follows weeks of JoyNews’ Dialysis Crisis Series, which culminated in a national dialogue on the matter with stories tracking the promises made by various officials and stakeholders.

According to Mr. Awontirim, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has captured the policy in their campaign manifesto, which is in the pipeline to be launched soon.

“You’ll see the details in all those areas. There will be special funds allocated to them permanently. It won’t cost us anything like we’ve done for GetFund and other institutions,” he assured.

The former MP trusts that Ghanaian citizens will voluntarily contribute to support such an initiative to help prolong the lives of their loved ones and others after watching the touching and emotional stories of victims. He believes that Ghana is capable of setting up the fund, considering how heartbreaking the stories are.

“If it is GH₵ 1.00 for 10 million Ghanaians, that will be GH₵ 10 million a month. Even kids who are in school will tell their parents to donate their GH₵ 5.00 they’re being given to take to school to the fund because a lot of them get worried when they watch the videos.”

Meanwhile, the support, as explained in a statement released by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) dated June 1, noted that beneficiaries of the dialysis programme have been divided into two categories: vulnerable groups [patients aged below 18 and above 60] and persons aged 18 to 59 years.

According to the Scheme, “patients under 18 and above 60 years old will receive all eight free dialysis sessions per month,” with a cumulative cost estimated to be approximately GH₵ 2.3 million.

It added that “patients from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (EFRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), and Tamale Teaching Hospital will receive two dialysis sessions per month at GH₵ 982.00, that is, GH₵ 491 per session.”

While some people think it is an election stance for the NPP, others believe the programme will be of great benefit and help save the lives of the renal patients.

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The arrears in this period amount to approximately GH₵2.4 billion.

This represents arrears of contributions the Finance Ministry has failed to release to the NHIS from July 2023 to February 2024.

The revelation came up at a meeting convened by Parliament’s Committee on Health on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

The Committee met with the Finance Ministry, Health Ministry, the NHIS, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to resolve issues resulting in the delay in payment.

The scheme has been under financial constraints in this fiscal year, making it difficult to honour its financial obligation to its service providers.

In the closed door meeting, the Health Committee of Parliament urged government to liases with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to find ways of clearing the arrears of the scheme.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Chairman of the Health Committee, Dr Afriyie Ayew said the initiation of a road map was reassuring.

The Minority is peeved by what they believe is an attempt by Vice President, Dr Mahamaudu Bawumia to take credit for the free Dialysis care of patients under 18 and over 60 years.

According to the Minority, it baffles their minds for Dr Bawumia to go round with the announcement of the same as if it was something initiated by his government.

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According to him, during the National Democratic Congress’ administration eight years ago, the NHIS faced serious challenges, particularly in record-keeping and payment to service providers

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, he noted instances where providers were owed for several months, leading to a decline in the acceptance of NHIS cards at hospitals.

“You will go to the hospital and be told that, the NHIS won’t be accepted. So people even abandoned it. The records are there. Where the usage, the patronage had gone down to just around 1.5 million. Today, what do we see? Astronomical increase in the patronage of health insurance because the system is in place to pay.”

“In spite of the challenges, we chalked some good success. And I am saying that, the fact that the patronage, the use, the reliance of the NHIS policy has increased should tell you that something good is happening there,” he said.

While acknowledging existing challenges within the NHIS, the Majority Leader stated that the current government has outperformed its predecessor in addressing these issues.

“I admit that we do not have a perfect system. But we have done better than we came to meet. That point must also be made. And I am saying that, if hospitals were complaining bitterly, you will go to a hospital and they turn you down because they say that government owes them several months and they are not paying, you should go back home.”

The Member of Parliament for Effutu urged voters to consider the progress made by the NPP when making decisions in the upcoming elections.

“It is important to remind those who are going to take a decision that, this man who claims that give me the chance, cannot do it better. It is important that we remind the decision makers that the alternative is scary. The alternative is worse,” he noted.

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The initiative aims to issue Ghana cards to the children, providing them with both healthcare access through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and official identification through the NIA.

The NHIS in a statement said the collaboration is part of the government’s effort to streamline administrative processes and expand social services reach.

“The collaboration between NHIA and NIA underscores a concerted effort by the Ghanaian government to streamline administrative processes and expand social services reach. By equipping children with Ghana cards at an early age, the initiative seeks to enhance their access to essential healthcare services while also facilitating their participation in various socio-economic activities requiring official identification.”

The registration drive is expected to commence on 10th June 2024, targeting children aged between 6 and 14 years, with dedicated registration centers to be set up in schools nationwide.

Read the full statement below:

National Health Insurance Authority and National Identification Authority Join Forces to Register 6.3 Million Children for Ghana Cards

Accra, Ghana – May 21, 2024: In a landmark move towards ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage and national identity documentation for Ghana’s youth, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) have officially signed a joint cooperative agreement.

Under this agreement, a targeted registration drive is set to commence on June 10, 2024, targeting children aged between 6 and 14 years across the nation. The initiative aims to issue Ghana cards to this demographic, providing them with both healthcare access through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and official identification through the NIA.

The collaboration between NHIA and NIA underscores a concerted effort by the Ghanaian government to streamline administrative processes and expand social services reach. By equipping children with Ghana cards at an early age, the initiative seeks to enhance their access to essential healthcare services while also facilitating their participation in various socio-economic activities requiring official identification.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, representatives from both authorities expressed their commitment to the successful implementation of the registration drive. They highlighted the significance of this initiative in promoting inclusive healthcare and ensuring the rights and recognition of Ghana’s youth population.

“We recognize the importance of providing universal healthcare coverage and ensuring that every child in Ghana has access to essential services,” remarked Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the NHIA Chief Executive. “By collaborating with the National Identification Authority, we are not only extending healthcare access but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and empowered society.”

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, the NIA Executive Secretary emphasized the role of the Ghana card as a fundamental tool for identity authentication and access to public services. “The issuance of Ghana cards to children aged between 6 and 14 years represents a pivotal step in safeguarding their rights and enabling their full participation in society,” they stated.

The joint registration drive is expected to commence on 10^th June 2024, with dedicated registration centers to be set up in schools nationwide to facilitate the process. Parents and guardians are encouraged to actively participate in ensuring that their children are registered to receive the Ghana card, thereby securing their access to essential healthcare services and official identification.

As Ghana moves forward with this ambitious initiative, it signals a commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive future for its youth population, laying the groundwork for their continued growth and prosperity.

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He indicated these fees were not sanctioned by the authority and that it has negatively impacted public perception of the NHIS and made it unpopular.

Dr Aboagye made the call during the commissioning ceremony of the Lower Manya Krobo NHIA District office complex at Odumase in the Eastern region.

He stressed the detrimental impact of these unauthorized charges and called for the need to uphold the integrity and guarantee accessibility of the NHIS to all eligible members.

He said the NHIS aimed to provide financial access to quality health care for citizens, but some health facilities were undermining its progress, adding, “Any provider who goes contrary to the agreed principles would be sanctioned.”

Dr Aboagye highlighted the importance of eliminating these extraneous costs to restore public trust in the NHIS and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens.

He called for stringent measures to be implemented to address these illicit practices and protect the rights of NHIS beneficiaries.

The NHIS covers some aspects of out-patient and in-patient services, maternity care, childhood cancers, family planning and eye care.

Recently, he said approximately GH₵171 million were allocated to mixed tiers, with lower-tier payments spanning January and February 2024, and upper-tier payments reaching back to November 2023 claims.

He also mentioned that the Medicines list and tariff are currently undergoing review to align with economic and epidemiological trends.

In terms of the government’s digitalization initiatives, Dr Aboagye revealed that the NHIA was collaborating with the National Identification Authority to issue Ghana Cards to individuals aged six to 14 years.

The Eastern Regional Operations Manager of the NHIA, Harry Thompson Baffour, said that the region has a total of 20 district offices, with six operating in rented apartments and the rest, consisting of 14, benefiting from office accommodations provided by the NHIA and the Municipal and District Assemblies.

The Lower Manya Krobo District office complex features a data room, a reception area, a Management Information System, and offices for the Manager and Public Relations personnel.

Mr Baffour further mentioned that the regional office was committed to ensuring that the office complex is properly maintained.

According to him, the NHIS has witnessed notable improvements, attributed to financial reinforcement and digital transformation, with NHIS numbers now aligned with Ghana card numbers. 

Additionally, accessibility has been prioritized, with the introduction of the NHIS app enabling registration, subscription renewal, and access to covered diseases remotely, eliminating the need for physical visits to NHIS offices.

He underscored that the expansion of NHIS encompasses treatments for childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients. 

“The NHIS is working better under our government than it used to be. Besides resourcing it financially, we have also digitized it and linked it to the Ghana card.

“So today, your NHIS number is your Ghanacard number. We have also extended NHIS coverage to include childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients. We have also introduced an NHIS app, so today people can register and get enrolled using their Ghanacard.

“They can also renew their subscription and check the list of diseases that the NHIS covers, without traveling to any NHIS office. Second, to make health care easily accessible across the country, we have overseen the connection of health facilities under the Ghana Health Service to one digital platform. So far, all teaching hospitals and all regional and district hospitals have been connected and can talk to each other. The goal is to network over 90% of all hospitals in Ghana by the end of next year,” Dr. Bawumia said in an interview with Africa Watch Magazine. 

Dr. Bawumia further pledged to invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas lacking adequate services, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare. 

“My government will invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas, to ensure equitable access to quality services. My government will also implement targeted initiatives to address healthcare disparities among vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

“In addition, we will increase recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers, to address workforce shortages and improve service delivery.

“As far as the NHIS is concerned, we will enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the scheme through comprehensive reforms aimed at expanding coverage, improving revenue mobilization, and reducing administrative inefficiencies,” he said. 

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In an interview with Adom News, he disclosed his target is to register 5,000 people to save lives in the constituency and promote quality healthcare.

Mr Arhin who is the Director of Communications at the Presidency said data available to NHIS office indicates that, majority of the constituents are not on the scheme.

He indicated that, the membership of others are also not active due to the lack of money for renewal.

The constituents who have benefitted from the kind gesture lauded Mr. Arhin for his support.

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The move, in addition to the construction of Agenda 111 health facilities and other measures, are part of the government’s commitment to improving access to professional, accessible and affordable quality health services for the Ghanaian.

President Akufo-Addo disclosed this last Tuesday in a keynote address at the maiden awards night and commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the annual general and scientific meeting of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra.

The college is a public institution established in 2003 to provide postgraduate medical training in medicine, surgery and related disciplines.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in June last year added treatment for the four common childhood cancers to the NHIS Benefit Package.

These are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, Retinoblastoma and Wilms Tumor.

Addressing members of the college and stakeholders in the health sector, President Akufo-Addo said as part of measures to improve access, the government recently introduced technology to enhance the NHIS. As a result of that, renewal has been simplified by dialing *929# on any mobile phone network. 

Payment

The President added that active membership of the scheme had increased to 17.3 million subscribers at the end of last year from the 4.3 million at the end of 2016, while the chronic complaints of non-payment of claims had given way to a new improved regular payment regime to health facilities which now stood at just two months in arrears.

Agenda 111

Touching on the Agenda 111, the President said the projects would cost a total of $1.65 million. The Agenda 111 project includes the provision of standard 100-bed district hospitals with accommodation for doctors and nurses in districts without district hospitals, four regional hospitals and two psychiatric hospitals. 

President Akufo-Addo said currently, works on 86 of the district hospitals, two regional psychiatric hospitals and the Western Regional Hospital were ongoing and were at various levels of completion, ranging between 52 per cent and 80 per cent complete.

Specialist 

The President said the government recognised that key to achieving universal health coverage was the availability of specialists in all hospitals in the country, adding that “It is about time we began to set our targets higher and ensure that every single doctor who graduates from medical school proceeds right after their house officer training into specialisation”. 

He charged the college, the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to work together to ensure that the country also achieved the target.

President Akufo-Addo indicated that the training of postgraduate doctors was an expensive venture and that the cost must be borne by the government.

Although the decision by the government to reimburse the college for the cost some three years ago had not materialised, the President gave an assurance that the Ministry of Health would work to ensure that it was done. 

President Akufo-Addo presenting a shield to former President John Agyekum Kufuor for his dedicated service to the vision of postgraduate training in Ghana. Pictures: SAMUEL TEI ADANO

Contracts

Regarding the request by the college to ensure that fellows who attained the mandatory retiring age be given automatic post-retirement contracts for them to continue to train specialists, President Akufo-Addo gave his word that the government was willing to undertake that to facilitate postgraduate medical training. 

He urged the leadership of the college and the relevant state agencies to come up with a policy document that spelt out the details of the post-retirement contract for the consideration and decision of cabinet.

President Akufo-Addo cautioned that while drawing the policy document, they should ensure that they put in all measures that would prevent the good initiative from being abused.

President Akufo-Addo presenting a shield to Prof. Christian Charles Adomakoh (right), Founding College Treasurer, for his outstanding contribution

Decentralised training 

The Rector of the college, Professor Richard Adanu, said some hospitals in the country had been accredited to be training centres for specialist training.

He noted that as we expand the decentralised training, “we are making use of technology to ensure that trainees in any part of the country can have access to lectures, electronic journals and databases”.

That, Prof. Adanu explained, had been possible through partnership with the World Health Organisation, the Tropical Health Educational Trust of the United Kingdom, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the British High Commission in Accra and others.

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The NHIS aims to offer financial risk protection, dismantling economic barriers that hinder individuals from obtaining crucial medical care. By easing the burden of out-of-pocket expenses, the NHIS promotes a more inclusive healthcare landscape in Ghana.

As the year ends, many underprivileged individuals grapple with expired NHIS coverage, while others are not even on the scheme,

At the annual December To Remember conference organised by Prophet Sampson Amoateng, vulnerable individuals had their expired NHIS cards renewed and registered new ones including children. Beneficiaries were from the Greater Accra, Volta, Eastern and Northern Regions.

This philanthropic endeavor was generously funded by Morgan’s Miracles and the Sampson Amoateng Foundation, both committed to fostering comprehensive health, education, and wellness globally. These foundations supported beneficiaries across Africa, America, North America and the South Asia.

Sheryl Hill of Morgan’s Miracles shared the inspiration behind this act of kindness.

“We strive to impact lives around the world, especially children. The saying goes your health is your wealth; helping people access health care will translate into healthier families. We love what we are doing but we hope expand and make greater impact” she said.

When asked about the potential exhaustion and financial challenges linked to such endeavors, Sheryl Hill said “the major challenge as with any non-profit is funding and having the workers; unlike Ghana where we have volunteers to help us, there are place like Pakistan where you can’t go with number of people you need to help”.

Over 150 individuals reaped the benefits of this year’s initiative. Some beneficiaries, in an interview with the media, expressed appreciation for the transformative impact the programme had on their lives.

“Anytime I go to the hospital they ask if I renewed my health insurance. If I haven’t renewed it and it means I have to play. I got here not long ago but I have been able to renew it.” Kenneth said.

Another beneficiary said, “three days ago, I head Prophet Sampson on radio talking about the need to free your heart of offences and let go bitterness towards people. After the preaching he announce the health insurance registration and renewal exercise. I have been to other places and they didn’t fulfil promises made on radio; but this place they have. I thank the church and may God bless Prophet Sampson and Morgan’s Miracles.”

Ubaida got registered onto the Health Insurance Scheme during last year’s registration and renewal drive in November, by the two foundations “when the prophet announced it, I checked and it had expired. Today, they have renewed it for me. God bless them” Ubaida prayed.

Morgan Hill, CEO of Morgan’s Miracles, shared the envisioned impact and the future strategies for Morgan’s Miracles,

“One of our dreams is to build schools to go into communities where children need education; that is one of our initiatives. Improve the health of people and building people spiritually” she revealed.

As part of this year’s five days December to Remember conference at the House of Miracle Ministries, 500 packs of cooked food were shared; a hundred each day. 300 people went home with uncooked rice and bottles of cooking oil. Persons with disability received undisclosed amount of money to help with their upkeep.

The NHIA team, marching through Goaso’s main streets, aimed to enlighten market women about the benefits of using the MyNHIS application.

The Ahafo Regional Manager for NHIA, Alexander Fordjour highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing how the application streamlines access to health insurance services.

He said the MyNHIS app is designed to save time for market women, eliminating the need for frequent office visits.

Mr. Fordjour noted that, it also offers insights into the various benefit packages covered by the health insurance scheme.

He affirmed the NHIA’s commitment to engaging market women and other residents in the region about the application’s functionality and advantages.

Some of the market women who spoke to Adom News reporter, Sammy Asare were happy about the education on the MyNHIS app.

According to NHIA, it has consistently paid healthcare facilities an average of One Hundred and Fifty Million Ghana Cedis (GHS150 Million) every Thirty (30) days especially over the past two years.

“Evidence of monthly claims payment can be found on the website (www.nhis.gov.gh/payments),” the statement read.

Dormaahene Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu II is reported to have pleaded to the government to leave the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) alone and provide it to the NHIA to bolster its functions—particularly the processing of claims for healthcare providers.

The National Health Insurance Authority noted that, the story is inaccurate and unfortunate.

The NHIA stated categorically that no government during the Fourth Republic has ever provided the NHIA with all the NHIL collected albeit enshrined in law.

“While management appreciates Osagyefo’s call for the government to give the Scheme the full amount of the NHIL collected, we would like to address the erroneous impression that the reportage created, suggesting that the Scheme is on the verge of collapse because the NHIA is not receiving the full amount of the NHI levy, therefore depriving healthcare providers of their rightful claims.”

“We hereby encourage the media to find out the real situation that exists in our healthcare facilities and not to paint a picture that is at a considerable distance from the truth. Millions of Ghanaians continue to depend on the NHIS to provide access to healthcare,” it added.

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According to him, dialysis was too huge a cost for individuals battling kidney conditions to bear alone since most of them might be unable to pay for these services.

Speaking to JoyNews he said, “As a country, I can tell you boldly, if we are committed we can pay totally for kidney care.”

Elaborating on the ways the government can reduce the burden on kidney patients, he said; “First of all, politically we have been going back and forth on funding to NHIS. Kenya even pays for kidney transplants. The reason is very simple, 90% to 95% of the funds are directly with them.”

“Secondly, we can put some levy referred to as syntax on some one or two products which are normally not consumed by the ordinary person but by people in a particular class and the inflows on that can go into a fund not necessarily with National Health Insurance.

“It can be the chronic disease fund or the peripheral disease fund which would go to the departments that take care of kidney care and other conditions like cardio diseases so that instead of the GHȼ700 cedis that is been looked at, you can retain GHȼ200 because GHȼ500 cedis has been paid for by this fund.

“Thirdly, we as a country can come together to take away all the taxes on any item that goes into kidney care. We can look at two or three consumables that affect the pricing and the state can procure them directly.”

Conversations on what can be done to improve renal services have been in the news for some time now, following the Korle Bu renal unit’s closure for over five months.

Various stakeholders have advised that the service be migrated onto the NHIS, but those opposed say the scheme lacks the financial strength to take it up.

It is currently unclear what the next line of action would be. However, Dr Boye mentioned that a five-member committee has been charged to come up with recommendations to sustain the renal unit.

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WHO Country Director, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo said the recent outcry over the increase in dialysis fees at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital could be addressed if the NHIS were expanded to bear the cost for patients.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an event in Accra, Dr. Kasolo said that a second look at the operations of the NHIS was needed.

“If our health insurance is strong, it can mitigate the cost of renal treatment services if it is included in the benefits package. This would have mitigated the out-of-pocket expenditures that we are beginning to see increase, and if that works, then we would have solved part of the problem of increasing out-of-pocket expenditure that we see with the dialysis cost” he added.

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This follows renewed calls for the addition of renal healthcare, particularly kidney dialysis treatment to the NHIS.

Last week, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital prematurely announced a 100% fee hike at their dialysis centre citing the removal of tax and import duty exemptions on medical consumables.

According to management, should the centre continue to charge the old fees, it would have to shut down in a matter of days.

But renal patients say the centre has been shut to out-patients since May of this year – admitting only emergency cases – forcing them to seek more expensive dialysis care at private hospitals.

Speaking on JoyFM, Oswald Mensah said for dialysis care to be added to the NHIS, a lot of actuarial studies would have to be carried out to see if the scheme will continue to be viable after.

“As you know with the NHIS benefits package, well over 95% disease conditions that are presented in hospitals are covered under the scheme. And we run an exclusions list unfortunately of which dialysis for chronic disease or kidney failure is on the list.

“But as in every case condition, we have so many people knocking on the door of NHIA to include almost everything onto the package and what is most important is always to measure the requests and demands of the scheme with the available resources that can enable this to happen.

“As we’re hearing, the dialysis treatment is quite expensive. If NHIA has to consider that, a lot of actuarial study would have to be carried out to see whether the scheme will be sustainable if we take it on board. But that being said if the patients present with acute renal failure for instance, the scheme covers that and pays for that.

“It’s only those who are on chronic diseases, kidney failures, those are the ones that are excluded for now and I’m sure conversations will be going on to see what can be done going forward,” he said.

Speaking in an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam show, he stated that, there was a need for the government to cover part of the treatment.

The Information Minister suggested that, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should absorb some of the cost of dialysis incurred by kidney patients.

“Government is waiting on the management of Korle Bu to complete its internal work and come forward with what its position is. The conversation has been going on, and I personally suggested that whatever the amount comes to, the NHIS Fund should be able to pick up,” he said.

The Ofoase-Ayirebi Member of Parliament called for proper financing of the NHIS in order to cover part payment for kidney dialysis.

The Renal Patients Association of Ghana, comprised of individuals with kidney conditions, have disclosed that fourteen of its members passed away between May and September while at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The Association attributed this to a shortage of consumables at the facility, resulting in a limitation of dialysis services to only emergency cases.

Spokesperson of the group, Michael Asante said the situation has instilled constant fear of death among many of them.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has summoned management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital over the recent price hike.

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Following the addition of four childhood cancers to the list of ailments covered under the national health financing scheme in June 2022, 136 children with cancers visited designated health facilities between June and December last year, while 90 cancer patients have visited health facilities this year.

The acting Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Abdul Karim Naatogmah, told the Daily Graphic yesterday that most of the child patients visited the health facilities once, mainly Teaching and Regional hospitals, with nine clients making two visits this year, while three others made three visits each.

He, therefore, said that the scheme made reimbursements of about GH¢250,000– GH¢143,143 in 2022 and GH¢100,937 this year.

Mr Naatogmah said the services were provided by a multi-disciplinary team of experts in seven facilities.

They are the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra; Cape Coast Teaching Hospital; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi; Ho Teaching Hospital; Tamale Teaching Hospital; Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and the Holy Family Hospital in Techiman, the Bono East regional capital. 

“This informed the roll-out of coverage in these facilities,” the manager added.

Background

The childhood cancers were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Burkitt lymphoma, retinoblastoma, and Wilms tumour.

The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, announced the inclusion of the four most common childhood cancers in November 2021, during the launch of NHIS Week celebrations. 

The inclusion followed an initial actuarial modeling of the scheme’s capacity to absorb the costs of coverage for childhood cancers.

“The commitment of the authority towards the attainment of our goals is unwavering, and all measures will be employed to ensure the full implementation of initiatives in collaboration with stakeholders,” Mr Naatogmah said. 

Revisions

The manager further said that in spite of the money paid as reimbursement for childhood cancer services, the NHIA was also aware of changing economic conditions that warranted reviews of the prices and tariffs. 

He said that service tariffs and medicine prices were reviewed in February 2023, before the annual due date of July in response to changes in prices. 

“These price reviews apply to all other services on the benefit package and is an annual periodic activity that is done in collaboration with stakeholders,” the manager said.

Mr Naatogmah also said that the NHIA was currently in the process of comprehensively reviewing its tariff building blocks to arrive at levels that will support the viability of facilities while ensuring the sustainability of the scheme. 

Concerns

The NHIA, the manager said, was also concerned about claims of unavailability of medicines and consumables at stated prices at some health facilities in the country.

He said the authority would, therefore, engage relevant stakeholders and regulators in the supply chain to ensure quality healthcare services were made accessible to all members of the scheme.

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The support is to facilitate claims processing and payments for primary healthcare providers comprising CHPS, Health Centers and Maternity Homes under the Primary Health Care Improvement Program for Results (PforR).

 The monumental program is financed through a World Bank facility with co-financing grants from the Global Financing Facility (GFF), Canada, the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Operation (FCDO), and the Gavi Alliance.

The program will be implemented for four years, spanning from 2022 to 2025.

The funding is allocated based on the Disbursement Linked Result (DLR) achieved per the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) of the program.

The DLis under the program include increase in the membership of the NHIS, increase in the enrollment of vulnerable populations in the Scheme and improvement in claims processing and payment for the primary healthcare facilities.

Under the facility, the NHIA in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Health Facility Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) are to improve on relevant aspects of accreditation of healthcare providers, monitoring, and financing of primary healthcare services.

The NHIA and the Social Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) collaborative effort will boost the enrolment of indigent populations, such as the disabled, orphans, widows, women, and children in the Scheme. 

This will be done through linkage with the National Household Registry which is also supported by the World Bank. 

New NHIS Leadership Vision

The ‘New NHIS’ leadership’s ultimate goal is building a more resilient Health Insurance Scheme that responds to the needs of all by providing access to quality and affordable healthcare services on a sustainable basis. 

The Executive Management’s strategy towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the adoption of ‘pro-poor pathway’ interventions fastened to the legal framework that every Ghanaian should register with the NHIS.

The Chief Executive, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, his deputies, and some Directors have completed a national tour of all 16 regions as a way of connecting with staff and the citizenry and discussed how to strengthen the NHIS and the role it plays as a vehicle for Ghana to achieve UHC.

Leadership is determined to open more offices in strategic locations to make the NHIS accessible to all. Some additional offices recently commissioned are the Western North Regional Office, Bono East Regional Office, Ahafo Regional Office, Dormaa East, Jamaan North, Asunafo North, Asutifi North, Obuasi, Asawase, Atwima Kwanwoma, Ejisu, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) Mion, Kumbungu, and Nanton.

Bono East, Sunyani Municipal, Jaman South, Kintampo Municipal, and Techiman Municipal have received newly branded operational vehicles.

Relevance

The NHIS has grown to become a major instrument for financing healthcare delivery in Ghana and it is the financial mainstay of over 4,600 credentialed healthcare service providers. Over 80 percent of the internally generated funds of most healthcare providers are from the NHIS.

The NHIS continues to provide financial access to many people who otherwise could not afford the cost of their healthcare services. Many are now seeking medical attention early and avoiding unnecessary deterioration in their medical conditions and possibly death as a result.

Digitalization Drive

The NHIA is leveraging the national digitalization drive to improve efficiency. Some of the recent novelties include MyNHIS App, Claim-it Application, and Online-credentialing capability.

MyNHIS App

As the most recent innovation, MyNHIS App empowers individuals and groups to use their Ghana Cards to register, renew and link to the NHIS without necessarily visiting any of the NHIS district offices for the same service.

The App can be downloaded on the Google play store or Apple Store, thus operating on both Android and iOS smartphones.

It issues digitized NHIS cards and provides a mechanism for the NHIA to fulfill its statutory obligations.

The new App also enables NHIS members to securely pay registration and membership renewal fees from their mobile money wallets, and bank cards.

 The App delivers a vastly improved renewal experience to NHIS members as it saves time and money, thereby making the Scheme more accessible to all.

Electronic Claims Management

The NHIA is determined to attain nearly 100 percent electronic Claims management (submission, vetting & payment) by the end of the year 2023. The essence is to eliminate wastage and ensure prudent use of available resources to provide the best healthcare services to NHIS active members. The introduction of electronic claims processing in 2013 has greatly improved efficiency in NHIS claims management over the years, decreasing claims processing time from months to 1-7 days for vetting of Provider Claims. 

Claim-it

The ‘Claim-it’ system was introduced to restrict fraudulent activities such as the submission of escalated Claims. Claims submitted via Claim-it makes it easy for vetting at the Claims Processing Centres (CPCs) in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Cape Coast.

The pragmatic nationwide rollout of the Claim-IT application to nearly 95% of Providers in the year 2022 saw an increase in the number of providers submitting electronic claims from about 40% in 2021 to 60.3% by December 2022 and 86% by March 2023. The NHIA Claims Directorate and its Claims Processing Centres are actively assisting providers with challenges in electronic claims submission to ensure near 100% implementation of electronic claims processing.

Online Credentialing

Healthcare service providers typically apply for credentials from the NHIA to enable them to serve Ghanaians under the NHIS. In creating efficiency, the NHIA introduced an online application system on its official Web Portal making it possible for Service Providers and prospective applicants to submit and renew applications electronically.

Development Partners Support

The NHIA has recurrently received support from development partners including the World Bank Group, World Health Organization (WHO), United States Agency for International Development (USAID),  United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Korea Foundation for International HealthCare (KOFIH), among others.

The support has positioned Ghana’s NHIS as a remarkable social protection model in Africa and this is evidenced by the number of foreign delegations who have so far visited the NHIA to understudy the NHIS operations.  

The World Bank Group’s recent financial support is therefore key and timely in the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) quest to achieve UHC by the year 2030. 

Ghana, with its 55 per cent coverage in 2022, came next after Rwanda, 79 per cent, whose coverage is compulsory. 

Senegal has 19 per cent, Kenya 16 per cent and Nigeria three per cent.

A Health Economist with the World Bank, Enoch Oti Agyekum, stated this when he addressed the opening of a training in expected claims generation and submission for the Tier-Three providers in Accra yesterday.

He said the NHIS was performing very well and “if we look across the region, the NHIS comes next to Rwanda, as the best performing scheme in terms of population coverage.”

“But I will even say that the NHIS is the best because the context of Rwanda is different from that of Ghana and so in terms of population coverage, if you want to clap you can do it better for Ghana,” he added.

Mr Agyekum said what was now required was how to make the reach effective by ensuring that when people went to the facilities, they got the services they needed.

They should also not be asked to pay for the services covered under the NHIS.

Blame

Mr Agyekum explained that in several meetings, where NHIS had been blamed for not paying on time, some of the reasons had been that the providers also delayed in submitting their claims.

The service providers often did not submit them in a quality manner that would lead to efficient delivery, he added.

The Health Economist said the World Bank recognised the numerous initiatives the NHIS had initiated, including the use of information technology (IT) to facilitate claims generation and processing.

Mr Agyekum, however, pointed out that facilities such as community-based health planning services (CHPS), health centres and maternity homes were the ones that might not benefit very much due to poor network and the lack of other amenities.

The World Bank Health Economist indicated that the training was, therefore, a proactive measure to help the participants to generate claims manually as was expected.

The Deputy Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr James Duah, touching on claims payment by the NHIS, said compared to previous years, the recent payment had been more forward looking.

“If you do data analytics, you need three points to establish a point and so far we have had those three points; the trend looks good and we are hopeful that this training would also contribute to enhance the processes and early payment,” he added.

Dr Duah expressed the hope that the training would lead to early submission of claims.

He said in 2018, CHAG commenced the digitalisation of processes with three member facilities, but currently, 331 CHAG facilities were submitting claims electronically.

The deputy executive director of CHAG commended the World Bank and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for the collaboration in training members for the facilitation in the submission of claims which would lead to satisfaction on both sides.

The President of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners (SPMDP) Ghana, Dr Andre Kwasi-Kumah, said the society also appreciated the regular and timeous payments the NHIA had been making recently and expressed the hope that it would continue.

Dr Bernard Okoe Boye said some facilities were illegally charging patients for services and medications that were paid under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He gave the warning when he handed over a credentialing certificate to the International Maritime Hospital (IMAH) to start providing health care to registrants of the NHIS as part of a collaboration between the two institutions to provide the public with quality care.

He said the practice was unfortunate, as that was one of the reasons why people claimed that the scheme was not functioning.

He said illegal charges committee was established in every district by the NHIA to check on the operations of facilities, fish culprits out, and prevent such a practice.

Dr. Okoe Boye added that to achieve universal health coverage in the country, they were working to reach at least about 80 percent of Ghana’s population, with the scheme adding that currently the NHIS had about 17.2 million active members, representing 55 percent of the population of the country.

He said to do this, they seek to expand their operations to various locations to make quality, affordable health access available to all.

He said there had been an upward adjustment of the tariffs for services and medications, while payment of claims has also been disbursed within the acceptable 90-day window.

The NHIS CEO disclosed that to cure the deliberate habit of some health institutions’ claiming their claims had not been paid for a long period, his outfit had come out with a sunshine policy, in which whenever payment was done, stakeholders such as the Ghana Medical Association and the Pharmaceutical Association were informed.

In a welcome address, Dr Akwesi Afriyie Achampong, the Chief Executive Officer of IMAH, said providing NHIS services to the public was a great achievement for the hospital, as it was their aim to provide international healthcare standards to all, irrespective of their financial background.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on Thursday, Dr Okoe Boye said although the figures presented by Akandoh were accurate, his interpretation was false.

Dr Okoe Boye clarified that in 2021, the NHIS budget was 2.6 billion, which included claims and all other expenses. However, due to Covid, their percentage was low, but in 2022, they had 69 percent of their release.

Mr Akandoh had claimed that half of the funds allocated to the NHIS were being redirected to the Jubilee House for expenditures, which is affecting the insurance scheme.

“The figures he put out in the public were true but the interpretation was not true. In 2021, the NHIS budget was 2.6 billion which would include claims and everything but because of Covid, our percentage was low but in 2022 we had 69 percenrt of our release,” he said.

Dr Okoe Boye presented evidence that no government, including former President Kufour’s administration, had paid all monies allocated to the NHIS, as they often used the funds for road and other governmental projects.

He also mentioned that in 2013, former President Mahama’s administration failed to pay all NHIS claims, but it would be wrong to make baseless claims about the NHIS being used to purchase private jets and insult the President.

“In 2013, when former Mahama was the President, they also failed to pay all the NHIS claims but we cannot say that he used it to buy private jets which will mean insulting the President and so Akandoh is wrong to have made those baseless claims about the NHIS,” he said.

Dr. Okoe Boye encouraged the NDC MP to seek clarification from him instead of making baseless allegations.

Dr. Okoe Boye stated that within three years, his organization had injected close to half a billion cedis into the health system.

He also stated that they had digitized everything, including payments to hospitals, adding that the law need to be amended to deal with individuals who mishandle funds meant for the NHIS.

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According to him, the co-payment — a separate charge imposed by service providers for conditions already covered by the scheme — had become a major challenge for the scheme, and called on service providers, particularly, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), to help address the situation.

“Co-payments have been banned. The President hates to see poor patients being charged out of pocket for healthcare services,” he said.

“Maternal services such as deliveries are supposed to be free, but some facilities are charging patients as high as GH¢1,000 for the service, and that is unacceptable.

“When it happens that way, to the end-user it will look as if the scheme is not working,” he added.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Accra, the sector minister said co-payments created a barrier to access, and so the Ministry was working to end the illegality through meaningful engagements.

“Fortunately, the government has, in recent times, been doing well with timely payments. We have been doing frequent monthly payments in bits to ensure service providers get monies frequently.’’

“The arrears gap has been bridged over time. Service providers are owed about four or five months as compared to the situation that persisted some years back when they were owed 12 months and beyond.

“Service providers have therefore, no justification to indulge in co-payments. The act amounts to extortion, and that is illegal,” he said.

The minister said the NHIS was still effective and continue to provide unfettered access to healthcare delivery.

He said the government would continue to invest in the scheme, and added that the scheme had not shown any signs of crumbling.

Call on GHS

Mr Agyeman-Manu urged managers of the GHS, who constitute about 70 per cent of healthcare provider agencies under the ministry, to combat the canker that could make the NHIS unattractive.

“From the end-users’ point of view, it looks like the scheme is not working as a result of the extortions.

“This statement is not meant to insinuate that health insurance is not working, but is an admonition to the managers of the Ghana Health Service to help end this criminality by every means possible,” he said.

The minister said the government was investing to strengthen the scheme, especially to deliver on the universal health coverage, a policy that seeks to ensure that there were no barriers to accessing health care.

“With huge investments and efforts being made, there is no way I would, in any way, suggest that the scheme is ineffective as being speculated,” he said.

NHIA caution

In January this year, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, cautioned facilities against co-payment arrangements or risk losing their accreditation.

“I am announcing confidently that very soon the accreditation of health facilities which additionally charge active NHIS patients with impunity will be revoked.

 “The NHIA annually injects GH¢120 million into the health sector, an average of GH¢1.5 million is paid to each health facility every month across the nation.

“So we are pumping so much into the health sector on a monthly basis, and, therefore, we demand that patients who visit the hospitals should be taken care of and not be made to pay for services covered by the NHIS,” he said.

Admitting that there were often delays in the payment of claims, Dr Okoe Boye, however, attributed the delay in the payment of claims partly to the fact that “some of the tariffs are high and unrealistic.”

In February this year, the MoH and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) reviewed upward the prices of medicines and services paid to the service providers and suppliers on the health insurance scheme to prevent them from making losses or refusing to offer services.

He said that the reviews were in accordance with the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852), explaining that they were necessary to enhance service delivery for subscribers and give providers value for money to avoid certain gaps in accessing medications and services under the scheme.

Kwaku Agyemang Manu says the Scheme is no longer working, admitting that he no longer uses the service and prefers to pay for his medical treatment. 

According to him, treatment given to NHIS card holders at the various facilities is below par, complaining bitterly that patients who are unable to pay are being denied access to medical services. 

Responding to the Minister’s admission of failure, the former president said Mr Agyemang Manu must resign. 

“He himself has admitted that he has failed. He has not been able to grow the NHIS and he says it has failed… he has no business being the minister for health. He should resign.”

Mr Mahama said to wild applause at a meeting with branch and constituency executives of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sefwi Adobokrom, in the Bia East Constituency. 

Providing some more detail, Mr Mahama said NHIS cards are being turned away from most health facilities because government is not paying their claims. 

“Health facilities have not been paid since last year for services provided to cardholders. How do you expect them to continue treating them?” he quizzed. 

Many have questioned the Minister’s public complaints instead of taking responsibility to make the Scheme functional.

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A social media commentator, sharing her thoughts on the minister’s statement said, “he appears to be talking like an outsider who is merely observing the situation without any ability to effect change within the system”. 

If the NHIS is not functioning as it was before, who should take responsibility, Mr Mahama continued, restating his position that Mr Kwaku Agyeman Manu must resign.

“It is unacceptable for a Minister to act as a passive observer on the sideline. The collapse of the Scheme occurred during his tenure and under his leadership. Accepting that the system is not working should be accompanied by a resignation.”

According to the Ministry, Mr Agyeman-Manu only raised concerns about the rate of extortion by some healthcare providers from subscribers.

The Minister, speaking at the Ghana Health Service Senior Managers Meeting 2023, said poor subscribers who should be benefitting from the scheme are rather being overburdened and denied essential services they have already paid for under the scheme.

He also indicated that although he is a member of NHIS, he pays cash for health services.

But in a statement, the Ministry said its attention has been drawn to misleading headlines from the comments which is a misrepresentation of what he said.

“This statement is not meant to insinuate that Health Insurance is not working but is an admonition to the Managers of the Ghana Health Service through its providers to end the criminality by every means possible,” the statement noted.

The statement also refuted claims the Minister has threatened to halt the operations of Zipline-Drone over high cost and misuse.

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Meanwhile, the outfit has pledged continuous commitment to making quality healthcare delivery accessible across the nation as part of the effort to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Below is the full statement:

He says poor subscribers who should be benefitting from the scheme are rather being overburdened and denied essential services they have already paid for under the scheme.

“From the end-user point of view, it looks like the health insurance is not working. I am a patient and I know what it is,” he said.

Mr Manu says this has forced him to pay cash whenever he is at a hospital to seek healthcare.

“I pay when I go to Ridge Hospital. I pay when I go to UGMC. I don’t even present my insurance card…,” he said on Tuesday, April 18.

He was speaking at the Ghana Health Service Senior Managers Meeting 2023.

According to him, “the complaints are coming about how those who are subscribed to health insurance are treated in almost all our facilities. So why shouldn’t we use the harsh word… extorting from the poor patients?”

The Health Minister also lamented the increasing number of lawsuits against health professionals in their line of work.

He observed that few of such cases were recorded when he joined the ministry six years ago, but it has almost become normal for health professionals and their facilities to be sued for negligence.

Mr Agyemang-Manu charged senior managers of the Ghana Health Service to critically take steps to reverse the situation.

This is after the completion of actuarial studies conducted by the scheme proved its feasibility and practicality and is concluding with other final touches for takeoff.

The Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, announced this when the board and management called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for him to sign some of the new policies to take effect and briefed him about the work of the scheme at the Jubilee House in Accra.

He indicated that at the end of January 2017, childhood cancers were not on the scheme, however, recently, four childhood cancers, which constituted 80 per cent of all childhood cancers in Ghana, were added and covered by the national health insurance scheme.

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who announced this, said: “We have started with four cancers among children for now, but we are determined to expand in due course. As we know, incremental improvement is always the way and exponential impact should not be compromised when it comes to health care.”

“Our children’s present and future can only be secured if all the factors that threaten their existence and quality of life are eliminated. We are determined to make it happen and we should not relent,” he added.

Dr Bawumia, who was speaking at a symposium organised by the Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and Roche, a biotech company, in Accra yesterday, said the reimbursement of childhood cancers under the NHIS became effective on July 1, 2022, and that efforts were also being made to add other forms of cancer treatment to the list of ailments covered by the NHIS.

He urged all parties to bring their resources to the table to make the programme successful and sustainable.

Funding

For most government initiatives, including the treatment of cancers, to be sustained, Dr Bawumia said, funding was required.

“I am glad that we, as a nation, are putting our children first and protecting them and their dreams. Sometimes it is good to look at the value of investments and not just the cost,” he added.

A diagnosis of cancer, according to him, often appeared to be a death sentence, affecting not just the subject but the rest of the family and the entire community, unless well-structured and well-resourced interventions were at play to curb the burden.

Cancer on rise

Dr Bawumia said cancer was on the rise in many developing countries, while its effects on economies were grave if nothing was done to control it.

“For a health project such as this great childhood cancer service to continue, all stakeholders need to bring their resources, such as expertise, awareness creation, early detection and treatment, on board.

“The successful outcome of provisions like these is what will keep things sustained. Seeing that our children are being diagnosed early and treated and recovering will certainly encourage the NHIA and all other partners to continue to fund the services. We all have a role to play,” he stressed.

Health data

While touting the role of technology, effective collaboration and data in the management of health, Dr Bawumia pointed out that there were multiple players in health care that required data for valuable investments, with health data actually generating income for some countries.

“Clinical trials, research and budgeting all require data, but data are not valuable if they are just that and not useful. I will encourage us to prioritise data-capture related to childhood cancers and other cancers to ensure that investments in health care are well informed. For a middle-income country, every cedi we spend must be well thought through and data will enable us to do so,” he said.

Leadership

Vice-President Bawumia said a reduction in wastage was a key means of enabling the desired efficiency to ultimately support the sustainability of the journey that had been embarked upon.

“The government is also showing leadership and a keen commitment to address geographical access limitations through its Agenda 111 initiative and we are keen to drive this and make it a reality,” he added.

He said the desire to ensure a greater geographical spread of access to health care, especially for persons who required specialist care and medication, was the reason behind initiatives such as medical drones for the delivery of essential medical supplies, vaccines and blood and the Agenda 111 health projects.

He said those facilities that would be set up would be looking at providing all relevant and priority services and help aid improved cancer control, including childhood cancers in the country.

“It will be key for us to have standard platforms across the private and the public sectors that enable easy access and top quality data that inform work, going forward. Extraction of population level data and their analysis will enable favourable investment and development of strategies that are directly impactful to our people,” he said.

Dr Bawumia acknowledged the efforts of the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo; the Ministry of Health and the Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu; the Board Chair of the NHIA and his team, the CEO of the NHIA, the World Child Cancer, Roche and all collaborators for helping to achieve the life-saving initiative.

Lifestyles

Mr Agyeman-Manu appealed to Ghanaians to improve their lifestyles through physical activity, avoid unhealthy dietary habits, alcohol and substance abuse, as well as the smoking of cigarettes and other substances, all of which he said had been identified as risk factors for cancers and other non-communicable diseases.

“We are all advised to improve our health-seeking behaviour by reporting to healthcare facilities promptly with diseases to prevent late presentation of diseases to hospitals,” he added.

He gave an assurance that his ministry would continue to collaborate with development and strategic partners to achieve the target of universal health coverage by 2030.

Beacon

The CEO of the NHIA, Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, for his part, said although many middle-income countries had demonstrated the commitment to provide social health care to their people, Ghana’s NHIS remained the beacon of such social intervention on the continent.

Quoting from the World Health Organisation, he said the increase in the number of children diagnosed with cancer annually was not limited to high-income countries.

While the scheme has helped to stop the obnoxious cash-and-carry system, many are members of the scheme have also faced injustices in trying to access it.

A recent Corruption Watch documentary, Pay or Die, for instance, has exposed many shortfalls with the scheme.

In this publication, adomonline.com publishes every benefit that a member of the scheme is entitled to, per the NHIS’ Membership Handbook.

If you have ever paid for any of these services even though you are a member, consider your rights as a member of the scheme to have been violated.

Find the benefits below:

The NHIS covers over 95% of all ailments that are presented in Ghanaian health care facilities. As a member, you stand to benefit from this coverage.

The services include:

1. Out-patient services (OPD) General and Specialist

Consultations including reviews: Conditions treated at outpatient setting include the following:

1. Malaria, acute respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea diseases, skin disease and ulcers, hypertension, acute eye infection, rheumatism, anaemia, intestinal worms disorders, acute ear infection, typhoid fever, dental caries, diabetes mellitus, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), asthma and others.
2. Investigations, including laboratory test, x-rays and ultrasound scans.
3. Symptomatic treatment for opportunistic infections due to HIV/ AIDS.
4. Out-patient/day surgical operations, including hernia repairs, incision and drainage of abscesses, and excision of lumps and haemorrhoidectomy.
5. Out-patient physiotherapy.
6. Medication, namely, prescription medicines on the National Health Insurance Scheme Medicines List, traditional medicines approved by the Food and Drugs Authority and certified by the Minister of Health to be on NHIS Medicine List.
7. Any other services approved by the Minister of Health.

• In Patient services (IPD)
• General and Specialist in-patient care.
• Investigations including laboratory test, x-rays and ultrasound scans for in-patient care.
• Cervical and breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Diagnosis and complications from other cancers, e.g. anaemia or obstruction.
• Surgical operations, including appendicectomy (removal of the appendix).
• In-patient physiotherapy.
• Accommodation in General Ward.
• Feeding (where available).
• Medication, namely, prescription medicines on the National Insurance Scheme Medicines List, traditional medicines approved by the Food and Drugs Authority and prescribed by accredited medical and traditional medicines practitioners.
• Processing and provision for blood (grouping and matching).

• Oral Health services including:
• Pain relief, which includes incision and excision.
• Drainage, tooth extraction and temporary relief.
• Dental restoration, which includes simple amalgam.
• Fillings and temporary dressing.

• Eye Care services including:
• Refraction
• Visual fields test
• Scan
• Keratometry (measuring the curvature of the anterior surface of cornea).
• Cataract removal
• Glaucoma
• Eye lid surgery

• Maternity Care including:
• Ante-natal care
• Deliveries, namely, normal and assisted, including forceps delivery and Caesarean Section.
• Postnatal care

• Emergencies

All emergencies are covered. These crisis health situations that demand urgent intervention and include:

1. Medical emergencies and surgical emergencies, including the need for brain surgery or heart surgery due to accidents.
2. Paediatric emergencies
3. Obstetric and Gynaecological emergencies including Caesarean sections
4. Road Traffic Accidents
5. Industrial and workplace accidents.

The MP, who doubles as the Majority Chief Whip, has explained the disbursement forms part of the government’s budgetary allocation for the scheme for the year.

“Not just the GH¢25 million goods and services. There was also a release of GH¢50 million to the NHIS and that has been confirmed by the Controller and NHIA has also accordingly confirmed the amount,” he disclosed in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

The Minority in Parliament had earlier this month said the scheme faces imminent collapse due to the delay on the part of government in releasing funds.

Speaking at a press conference, the Ranking Member on the Health Committee and MP for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akando, accused the government of misapplying funds under the scheme.

The Minority claims some service providers are threatening to withdraw services if government does not pay monies owed them.

They, therefore, asked the government to, with immediate effect, release funds to avoid the collapse.

Speaking at a press conference, the Ranking Member on the Health Committee and MP for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akando accused the government of misapplying funds under the scheme.

The Minority claims some service providers are threatening to withdraw services if government does not pay monies owed them.

Against this backdrop, Hon Akandoh said the NHIS is now in ‘medical comatose’.

He also alleged that, out of the GHS 2.06 billion collected in 2021, only GHS 127.47million representing 6% was released to the fund.

Mr Akandoh indicated that, between 2018 and 2020, the government collected over GHS 5.1 billion, an abysmal average release of 41.2 % contrary to the NHIS law.

The Minority has therefore asked the government to with immediate effect release funds to avoid the collapse.

Below is the full statement

This, he said, is to due to nonpayment of levies by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta collected since July 2021 into the National Health Insurance Fund.

The Juaboso Member of Parliament made this known in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem programme Monday.

He indicated that, this development will have adverse effects on ordinary Ghanaians.

The legislator stressed that Mr Ofori-Atta has never been to the floor of Parliament to inform the House about how funds generated from the NHIA is used, although several questions have been filed in that regard.

The Juaboso MP charged government to ensure that payment into the NHIS fund is expedited.

Hon. Akandoh also pleaded with service providers not to withdraw their services to patients on the scheme who visit their facilities.

In response, former MP for Tema East, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, said the delay in payment is not deliberate.

He explained that, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted negatively on Ghana’s economy.

“We are not in normal times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But I can assure you government will settle all arrears,” he assured.

Mr Titus- Glover appealed for calm as government works to improve the socio-economic conditions in the country.