Reports indicate that the Ministry of Finance currently owes the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) eight months’ worth of revenue.
This outstanding amount totals approximately GH₵2.4 billion, covering the period from July 2023 to February 2024. These funds represent contributions that the Finance Ministry has failed to transfer to the NHIS.
This revelation emerged during a meeting convened by Parliament’s Committee on Health on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
Attended by representatives from the Finance Ministry, Health Ministry, NHIS, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, the meeting aimed to address the factors contributing to payment delays.
Throughout the fiscal year, the scheme has encountered financial constraints, hindering its ability to meet its financial commitments to service providers.
Following a closed-door session, the Health Committee of Parliament urged the government to collaborate with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in devising strategies to settle the scheme’s arrears.
Dr. Afriyie Ayew, Chairman of the Health Committee, expressed confidence in the initiation of a roadmap to tackle the issue.
Meanwhile, the Minority has expressed dissatisfaction with Vice President Dr. Mahamaudu Bawumia‘s apparent attempt to take credit for providing free dialysis care to patients under 18 and over 60 years.
The Minority finds it baffling that Dr. Bawumia is promoting this initiative as if it were initiated by his government.