What Do We Know About NHIS?

I was hesitant when a friend told me to go with her so we could register for the NHIS; I just was not convinced as to why I should register and be part of the scheme. I did not know what it was all about, for all I know it would just cost me some amount of money and I will also waste the little energy I have. I therefore told my friend I was not interested in the scheme so she left and went home because I had lobbied her into believing that we were just going to waste our time if we should embark on that agenda. I know that many people are doing exactly what I did. This brings back my question, WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME?

Prior to the introduction of the NHIS, we where practicing the cash and carry system. One had to pay money immediately before and after treatment at all the hospitals in the country. This resulted in needless deaths because most Ghanaians were not going to hospitals and clinics since they could not afford. Thus the introduction of the NHIS which will allow everyone to make contributions into a fund, so that in the event of any illness contributors would be supported to receive affordable health care in our health facilities across the nation. A law has been passed to provide a legal framework necessary to facilitate the establishment of the NHIS and it makes it compulsory for all Ghanaians to join a health insurance scheme in Ghana.

The scheme for now caters for child and maternal care, nutritional needs and treatment for condition such Malaria, Diarrhoea, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Skin Diseases, Hypertension, Diabetics, Asthma, and a lot of other diseases ranging from head to toe. But it does cover some type of special health care including treatment of chronic renal failure, heart and brain surgery. The diseases that the skin covers “common Ghanaian diseases” therefore so far us we register and get our ID card we will definitely benefit. Do not get me wrong, I am not praying that we get sick.

On the CBCnews, Colleen Ross who is a national news producer for CBC Radio in Toronto, Canada has covered a story on the NHIS in Ghana and how Ghanaian are benefiting from it. Janet Asare whose picture is above has registered and obtained her NHIS card with it she has delivered her baby through caesarean section without paying a penny. Less I forget, the reporter hails from Canada and Canada has been practicing the NHIS since 1967.

On my ‘Kokonsa’ rounds on Thursday 1/2/2007, I visited the James Town Maternity ward, I chanced upon three young girls with beautiful lovely babies who sent them through sprout deliveries. I asked them why they are still in hospital, “my husband has not paid yet” haven’t you registered with the NHIS? I asked subsequently. The Matron said they always advise to register to the extent that a registration officer is attached to the clinic to that effect. Some nursing mothers have been discharged earlier on because they have NHIS ID cards

It is unfortunate that some propagandists of a particular political persuasion are bent on seeing the demise of these noble initiatives. I listened to a radio phone in section and a lady said something to that effect “they would not register to enable Kufuor get money. It is a farce”

I would like the journalists who go on radio to condemn the NHIS to answer this question, is the NHIS good for this country? Tell Ghanaian the truth. On December 3, 1992, the then Government which is not different from NDC advertise for a proposal to start NHIS. Why do you oppose it now and tell blatant liars about the scheme the evidence is there for all doubting Thomases. It is good for the nation. The NPP government I realized did not do this just for the NPP sympathizers it is for all Ghanaians, I am off to register now!

Naa Okailey Tagoe
Awoshie- Accra

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