Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, the CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has emphasized the government’s steadfast commitment to attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He stated that increasing stakeholder trust in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a crucial component of the government’s endeavor to enhance healthcare delivery.
Last Thursday, he spoke at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital’s annual performance assessment meeting in Cape Coast.
In order to continue offering high-quality healthcare services to the residents of the Central Region and beyond, the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital conducted an annual performance evaluation to evaluate its progress, pinpoint areas for development, and set a course for the future.
To assess the hospital’s performance and discuss issues facing the health sector, the meeting brought together important stakeholders, such as officials from health facilities, traditional leaders, and Ghana Health Service (GHS) personnel.
Alongside Dr. Bampoe were Mr. Francis Oti Frempong, Director of Membership and Regional Operations; Mr. Raymond Avinu, Director of Administration; Dr. Anthony Gingong, Director of Operations; and Dr. Gustav Cruickshank, Director of Financial Accounting.
The others are Ms. Mariam Musah, Deputy Director, MRO; Dr. Abigail Codjoe Derkyi-Kwarteng, Director, Claims; and Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Director, Corporate Affairs.
“Strengthening NHIS is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and sustainable,” he said.
Dr. Bampoe recognized that despite advancements, the NHIS system still faces some obstacles, including low tariffs, unlawful charges or out-of-pocket payments at the point of use, and public mistrust regarding its dependability.
He did, however, reassure stakeholders that the NHIA is still dedicated to tackling these issues, pointing out that attaining Universal Health Coverage depends on the NHIS’s ongoing success.
Mahama Care: A Key Initiative for Expanding Access to Care
Dr. Bampoe also discussed the government’s intentions to launch the Mahama Care initiative, a program aimed at increasing access to medical care for people with long-term illnesses.
According to him, the project is a key component of President John Dramani Mahama’s larger healthcare strategy and will be supported by the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund.
“The Mahama Care program seeks to support individuals with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Through this initiative, the government aims to provide financial assistance for those who require expensive treatments and medications but are unable to afford them.
“By targeting chronic illnesses, Mahama Care seeks to reduce the number of individuals who forego treatment due to cost, ultimately improving the health outcomes of thousands of Ghanaians,” he said.
Dr. Bampoe emphasized that the program would assist in closing the gaps in healthcare access for people with chronic health issues by supplementing the services now offered by the NHIS.
Free Primary Healthcare: Ensuring Equity
The implementation of free primary healthcare, especially through Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics, is another important government initiative that Dr. Bampoe emphasized.
Free basic healthcare services are the program’s goal, particularly for people living in underserved and rural areas.
“By offering free primary healthcare, we are breaking down financial barriers to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to necessary medical care,” Dr. Bampoe stated.
Vulnerable populations that might not otherwise be able to afford even basic services will benefit from this program, which will lessen the strain on more specialized healthcare institutions.
He emphasized that by collaborating with the NHIS, these programs would build a more inclusive healthcare system and guarantee that everyone has access to basic medical care.
Collaboration Key to Achieving UHC
In order to achieve Universal Health Coverage, Dr. Bampoe emphasized the significance of cooperation amongst stakeholders, including medical facilities, local government agencies, and the NHIA.
Dr. Bampoe was upbeat about Ghana’s healthcare system’s prospects. He promised that in order to guarantee that all Ghanaians have access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare, the NHIA would keep refining its operations and working with stakeholders.
“We’ve made progress, but there is still much to be done. Together, we can create a healthcare system that serves everyone, regardless of their background,” he concluded.
Ghana’s healthcare system appears to have a bright future as the nation works toward universal health coverage thanks to government programs like Mahama Care and free primary healthcare.
Source: newsthemegh.com