The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has clarified a ₵250,000 donation it made to the Covid-19 Trust Fund, to support government’s efforts in the fight against coronavirus in the country.

The Authority is one of the many institutions and companies who have contributed to the Fund but some Ghanaians who oppose the gesture, have criticised the NHIA for the move.

Some wondered how the Authority that owes millions to Service Providers due to lack of funds, suddenly has so much to donate.

But the NHIA says the move is part of its corporate social responsibility.

In a statement copied to JoyNews, the Authority said while the sum donated “though significant, represents less than 5% of the entire Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Budget for 2020."

"Indeed, it is equivalent to 0.06% of funds paid in claims this year, which amounts to approximately ₵400 Million to healthcare providers as claims re-imbursement.

“The ability to control the Covid-19 pandemic within the country would eventually protect the NHIF [National Health Insurance Fund] in terms of reduced claims from service providers,” the statement added.

The Authority says as is being done in other countries, the donation will be used to cover Covid-19 related expenses and is the “NHIS way of demonstrating good corporate citizenship by supporting government initiatives that will provide health education, prevention and enhancement of health infrastructure to fight this unseen enemy.”