Poverty is one key factor that deprives people access to good quality health care. This tells us the joy, peace and comfort it gave to some section of the Ghanaian society when the National Health Insurance Scheme was introduced in 2003, by the then ruling president, John Agyekum Kuffour.
This scheme was introduced to abolish the famous cash and carry system. A system that was hated by all, because of its unfavourable nature to low and middle-class members of society.
The main goal of the introduction of the NHIS was to provide equitable access and financial coverage for basic health care services to Ghanaians.
This meant that, once an individual subscribes to this scheme, you are promised accessibility to at least basic health care treatments.
Quality medical care and National Health Insurance is key to the development of every growing country. As palatable as this may sound, questions are being asked with regards to this initiative by many, as to whether or not the Ghanaian NHIS has been able to achieve its objectives.
It has become quite alarming as to how over the years, there have been countless reports of the National Health Insurance Scheme being at the verge of collapsing.
Reports have indicated that the NHIS, which has received worldwide acclamation is gradually losing its financial steaming for survival.
Hmmm, so I ask myself, where this leaves those of us who depend solely on the NHIS in order to be able to receive basic health care, Due to our poor financial status.
Since the introduction of the scheme, it has been faced with a lot of challenges. Instances recorded reveals how health service providers threatened on several occasions not to attend to those signed on to the scheme, with reasons that their claims were not paid to them.
Well, in as much this seems pathetic, can one really blame them for their actions? After all, they deserved to be paid indeed. But on a real, there are hiccups in the system that needs to be addressed.
Nevertheless, the NHIS just like every other public organization is facing some form of challenges. The government together with the National Health Insurance Authority and the managers of the various schemes announced certain measures to sustain the scheme and eventually enable it to deliver efficiently.
I believe that indicates how the government intends to show how their administration upholds health issues. As they have declared their interest to help resolve the challenges and relapse associated with the NHIS.
Now following reports from the kick start of the NHIS through to recently, there has been major revelation and predictions that the scheme might collapse.
On Monday, 15th April 2019, A MOMENT OF TRUTH SERIES press conference was addressed by the National Communication Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi.
He demonstrated to the press and presented pieces of evidence which reveal that the NHIS is in huge debts.
After the prediction of the NHIS by the NDC’s Communication’s Officer, The president true to his promise, declared on Saturday, 21st April, 2018 at the London School of Economics’ Africa summit, how his administration has been able to clear, GH¢ 1 billion over the last 15months out of the GH¢ 1.2 billion they inherited from the previous government.
Undeniably this revelation has brought hope to Ghanaians again as we are believing that the scheme will regain its effectiveness.
The health sector is very important to the development of every developing country. Hence better health is key to human happiness and well-being.
It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer and are more productive.
I will, therefore, entreat those in power responsible for health issues to pay much attention to that sector and desist from politicizing every issue in Ghana especially with health.
I am straining myself so hard to desist from believing that the NHIS debt cleared by the government is as a result of the fact that 2020 election is around the corner and so this is some kind of propaganda strategy.
I believe a good and accessible health care is important and should be the topmost priority of the reigning government with disregard whatsoever to the political party in power.
LONG LIVE NHIS, LONG LIVE GHANA!!
