NHIS managers propose tax on alcoholic beverages for funds

Managers of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are proposing a percentage of tax to be imposed on alcoholic beverages in order to manage the scheme.

According to Upper East Regional Director of the Authority, Sebastian Alangpulinsa, the pro-poor policy was introduced in 2003 for resident Ghanaians to seek health care without financial constraint.

He, however, said the scheme is struggling due to financial constraints to meet its growing demand.

It is against this backdrop that the authority is proposing a tax on alcoholic beverages to enable it to settle its arrears.

The director made this known during an end -of- year performance review meeting underway at the Ghana Health Service In-service Training Center.

The managers are also proposing a tax on cigarette and sugar as well as a percentage of Ghana’s oil revenues for more funds.

Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Frank Adongo Fuseini entreated organized labour to dialogue with workers to come out with suggestions on a proposed 1 percent from employees basic salary and 2 percent from employers to sustain the scheme.

Mr. Adongo challenged staff of the Authority to step-up their activities in registering the poor population of the region.

Some deserving district managers in the region were given awards in recognition of their performance for the past year