Micro finance institutions could support NHIS premium- Survey

Accra, Dec. 11, GNA - Micro finance institutions in Ghana can help increase access to basic health care services to the poor, by subsidising the premiums they pay to subscribe to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

This was the outcome of the findings of a pilot NHIS project undertaken by ID Ghana, a micro finance organisation that works principally among the urban poor in the Accra Metropolis.

The findings were discussed at a session facilitated by SNV- Netherlands Development Organisation in Accra, in collaboration with ID Ghana, on the theme: Engaging Urban Poor in National Health Insurance Scheme."

A press statement issued by Mr Ibrahim Gariba, Country Communications Officer in Accra, said the session, provided a platform for major stakeholders in the health sector to discuss similar initiatives and the possible opportunities to sustain and replicate ID-Ghana's health insurance programme.

Mr Albert Anisomyaansa, Executive Director of ID said the health insurance scheme initiated in 2007 was aimed at providing potential subscribers, mostly the urban poor with health education on topical issues. Under the programme 1,200 partners were mobilised onto the NHIS. Given the good performance, in 2009, ID Ghana introduced the NHIS Subsidy, by providing financial assistance, ranging from 25 to 50 per cent premium of 22 Ghana Cedis to adults and four Ghana Cedis to children. The results of the evaluation indicated that ID-Ghana members who registered with the NHIS were satisfied with the services that were provided, whilst almost all beneficiaries of the NHIS subsidy had utilised the package.

The report anticipated that ID-Ghana's NHIS programme would lead to improved health and income for the poor. The evaluation however, showed that the programme is not sustainable, primarily because the subsidy scheme is currently funded solely by ID-Ghana. 11 Dec. 09