Accra: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in partnership with the Korea Foundation For International Health (KOFIH), successfully held a multi-sectorial conference, advocating for enhanced diabetes and hypertension management in Ghana. The conference aimed to address the escalating prevalence of these chronic diseases and devise effective management strategies.
According to Ghana News Agency, the multi-sectorial conference took place in Accra, focusing on strategizing approaches to tackle the rising cases of diabetes and hypertension in the country. The event was organized by the NHIA's Research, Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate and featured roundtable discussions that brought together policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and development partners.
The conference, themed 'Access, Affordability, and Outcomes: Rethinking Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Ghana,' saw Dr. Senanu Kwesi Dzokoto, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations at the NHIA, express concerns over the increasing burden of these diseases. He highlighted the importance of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in expanding healthcare access and stressed the need for urgent action and prevention.
Ms. Chae Eun Kim, Deputy Director of KOFIH's Ghana Office, emphasized the impact of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in South Korea, which account for a significant portion of deaths. She underscored the collaborative efforts between Ghana and Korea to enhance healthcare delivery in Ghana, noting the need for policy interventions such as expanding NHIS coverage to include preventive services.
Professor Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah from the University of Ghana Business School highlighted the economic challenges posed by the rising prevalence of these diseases on Ghana's healthcare financing. He noted that hypertension and diabetes rank among the top five disease categories under the NHIS, accounting for a notable portion of the total claims expenditure.
During the conference, a comprehensive report titled 'Exploring Practices in the Management of Diabetes and Hypertension among the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Non-NHIS Members in Ghana' was launched. The report offers insights into access, affordability, treatment adherence, and public perceptions of chronic disease care.
Mr. Abass Suleymana, Acting Director of the NHIA's Research, Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, presented the collaborative research findings. He disclosed that a significant percentage of deaths in Ghana are attributed to hypertension and diabetes, highlighting the challenges of out-of-pocket costs and varying public awareness levels regarding these conditions.
Dr. Anthony Gingong, NHIA's Senior Director for Special Initiatives, raised concerns during a panel discussion about the financial implications of managing these diseases concerning NHIS coverage. He emphasized the need for prevention and early intervention to reduce the strain on NHIS resources.
