The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, asserts that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has seen notable improvements during the Akufo-Addo administration.
In an interview with Africa Watch Magazine, Dr. Bawumia commended the strides made in the health sector’s infrastructure under the current government.
He highlighted the expansion of NHIS coverage, specifically mentioning the inclusion of treatments for childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients.
Additionally, Dr. Bawumia discussed the government’s introduction of an NHIS app, which enables Ghanaians to register and enroll using their Ghanacard.
“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 travelling to any NHIS office.
He stressed, “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.”
He pledged to allocate funds towards the enhancement of healthcare infrastructure, especially in marginalized rural regions.
“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.