Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has declared a significant development in Ghana’s healthcare landscape: the permanent inclusion of dialysis services within the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This transformative initiative is underpinned by actuarial analyses confirming its feasibility and sustainability. Dr. Aboagye made this announcement during the inauguration of the NHIA’s district office in Kpandai, located in the Northern Region. The move aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all citizens. He noted that although a pilot program had provided free dialysis for patients for six months, the intent is to make this coverage a permanent benefit of the NHIS, thereby addressing a critical healthcare gap for patients in need of dialysis.
Throughout the pilot phase, the NHIS demonstrated its capacity to provide varying levels of dialysis coverage: children under 18 and seniors over 60 benefitted from eight dialysis sessions monthly, while adults aged 18 to 59 received two sessions monthly. Dr. Aboagye emphasized that this initiative is a part of the NHIA’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at strengthening healthcare access while the government develops sustainable long-term solutions for critical health needs. He described the inclusion of dialysis services as not only a remarkable milestone for the NHIS but also as a key component of the government’s goal to enhance health outcomes for all Ghanaians, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for affordable healthcare.
Dr. Aboagye further acknowledged the NHIS’s past challenges, particularly the substantial debt of 1.2 billion Ghana cedis that the scheme incurred in 2017, which eclipsed the entire budget for that year. This debt severely affected health facilities, leading to a year-long pause in payments, which impeded many Ghanaians from accessing necessary medical care. However, under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the NHIA has made significant progress in reversing this situation. He reported unprecedented claim payments of over 800 million cedis in the past month, with additional disbursements exceeding 300 million cedis in October alone, allowing the NHIA to pay claims up to August 2024 without any outstanding vetted claims.
Building on this progress, Dr. Aboagye introduced the E-Pharmacy policy, part of a strategic initiative aimed at eliminating the co-payment requirement within the NHIS. This policy aligns with new expansions in the benefit package, which will see mental health services—including treatment for depression and anxiety—added to the NHIS on November 1, 2024. This move reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in overall individual wellbeing and aims to foster better accessibility for those in need of these services. As the NHIA continues its journey of healthcare modernization, these advancements signify a positive evolution in service provision.
In addition to these initiatives, Dr. Aboagye has inaugurated several district offices across various regions—previously in Suaman, Juaboso, and Damango—aiming to streamline access to primary healthcare services for insured individuals. He reiterated that the establishment of these district offices would enable residents to satisfy approximately 95 percent of their primary healthcare needs under the NHIS. Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, Northern Regional Minister, commended the NHIA for enhancing healthcare infrastructure. He underscored the benefits brought by NHIS enrollment, such as increased healthcare utilization and reduction of out-of-pocket expenses for patients, thereby encouraging more community members to enroll and take advantage of the expanded benefits.
The District Chief Executive, Mr. Kofi Tatabika, highlighted the importance of the newly upgraded office in facilitating health insurance enrollment and assisting patients as they navigate the healthcare system. He considered the opening of this office a vital step toward ensuring that the community receives appropriate healthcare. Mr. Tatabika also expressed his gratitude towards the NHIA board and management for their efforts in enhancing the benefits of the NHIS and improving overall community health. The combined initiatives of the NHIA reflect a broader commitment to developing a comprehensive healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of the population, enhancing the health and wellbeing of all Ghanaians.
