Accra: The Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) office of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, it cautioned that systemic gaps such as illegal payments, limited public awareness, and logistical barriers continue to limit access to essential health services, especially for vulnerable groups who rely heavily on NHIS support.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Edward Mensah, the District Manager of NHIS, addressed a forum themed, 'Sustaining our Gains Towards Universal Health Coverage; A Collective Responsibility,' urging stakeholders in the health sector to recommit to the country's UHC agenda. He emphasized the importance of protecting recent gains through collective responsibility and systemic reform.
Mr. Mensah highlighted the NHIS's achievements, including digital enrollment systems and automatic free renewal for SSNIT contributors and pensioners. He also cited free healthcare services for pregnant women, children with cancer, and patients with chronic non-communicable diseases under President John Dramani Mahama's flagship initiative, 'MAHAMA CARE.' He noted these achievements represent lives improved and futures secured but warned against complacency due to remaining barriers to access, particularly for the poor and vulnerable.
Mr. Mensah's remarks align with President Mahama's broader health policy vision, which prioritized equitable healthcare access through initiatives like the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and expanded NHIS coverage. Despite these advances, Mr. Mensah highlighted ongoing issues such as illegal payments and low public awareness that undermine the scheme's credibility.
He questioned why a poor pregnant woman should pay for services that NHIS fully covers, stating that such practices erode public confidence. He called for a united front involving government agencies, healthcare providers, religious leaders, NGOs, and local assemblies to address these issues. Mr. Mensah emphasized the importance of seeing all stakeholders as complementors, not competitors, and stressed the need for continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms.
Health analysts note that the NHIS's renewed focus on stakeholder collaboration and digital innovation aligns with global best practices for achieving UHC. However, they caution that without addressing systemic inefficiencies and restoring public trust, Ghana risks backsliding on its health equity goals.
Mr. Mensah concluded with a rallying call to reset health institutions into robust, resilient, and globally admired systems, acknowledging the challenges ahead but affirming the necessity of collective action.
