The Deputy Minister-designate for Health, Dr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has told Parliament’s Appointments Committee that there is still public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The NHIS has faced scrutiny following numerous complaints from beneficiaries. Reports suggest that many patients nationwide have laid out complaint over unaffordable healthcare services at health facilities, implying that the NHIS has little effectiveness as opposed to its intended purpose.
This issue was strongly addressed during Dr. Acquah’s vetting before the committee on March 12, 2024. The minister-designate however assured that the scheme was still effective, as he has observed that individuals seeking healthcare still use the insurance.
“I have observed individuals driving Range Rovers; they will come to facilities using health insurance and after being admitted, they will request a private ward and pay for it. This indicates that such individuals are benefiting from health insurance, utilizing it to access the facility. However, when it comes to treatment, perhaps because they are affluent, they choose to pay for a private ward.”
“This indicates that confidence in health insurance is high. There are people who have faith in it and carry it with them to various hospitals at any given time,” he explained.
The Minister-designate also pledged to advocate for de-capping to ensure adequate funding for the NHIS.
Meanwhile, opposing party flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has promised to strengthen the NHIS if elected into power this year. He hopes to strengthen the maternal aspect of the scheme, to provide special top-notch healthcare for pregnant mothers.
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Story by: Dei Josephine Nana Efua | univers.ug.edu.gh
