Accra: Mr. Alban S. K. Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has urged for greater investment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve healthcare services, particularly for individuals suffering from lupus and other autoimmune diseases. He underscored the necessity of integrating lupus care into the NHIS, as many patients are burdened by the high costs of treatment.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Bagbin's appeal was made during a meeting with the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation in observance of World Lupus Day, held on May 10, 2025, at the Parliament House in Accra. The global lupus patient population stands at over five million, with the disease capable of damaging any organ or tissue, including the skin, joints, heart, or kidneys.
World Lupus Day, first recognized in 2004, has been marked by special events to emphasize its significance, including the inaugural World Lupus Day Proclamation. Ghana became a signatory to this proclamation in 2017, aligning with global efforts to address the needs of those affected by lupus.
Mr. Bagbin advocated for strengthening the NHIS to include coverage for chronic conditions like lupus, which would reduce financial strain and improve access to necessary medical care for affected individuals. Mrs. Emma Halm Danso, Executive Director of the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation, supported the Speaker's call, highlighting that lupus is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in Ghana.
Mrs. Halm Danso noted that many patients experience misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, worsening their health outcomes. She emphasized the need for specialized lupus clinics and increased public education to enhance awareness about the disease. The Foundation also appealed to the government to consider including lupus medications in the NHIS, as current out-of-pocket expenses are prohibitively high for many patients.
As a registered non-profit organization, the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation is dedicated to inspiring hope for those affected by autoimmune diseases, providing advocacy, education, counseling, and fundraising support to offer medical assistance and other services.
