Health experts are expressing concern over the National Health Insurance Scheme's low level of support for children with cancer.
A medical practitioner at the Department of Child Health at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Francisca Boateng, highlighted the significant financial burden faced by guardians in Ghana when treating children with cancer, especially when the diagnosis is delayed.
It is crucial for families to receive adequate support in managing their children's cancer, given the high costs involved, she stressed.
In 2021, government announced the inclusion of childhood cancer in the NHIS Benefit Package.
This coverage extends to the diagnosis and treatment of four types of childhood cancers: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, Retinoblastoma, and Wilms Tumor.
However, according to Dr. Boateng, parents are still receiving very little support despite the existence of this policy.
“So far, the majority of the cost is still being borne by the family and by organizations that are supporting these children with cancer,” she said on Wednesday.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the doctor explained that “we are not seeing much of the support from the NHIS because they still have to pay for 90% or 95% of their medication, doing all of that so I don't see the National Health Insurance now."
This lack of adequate financial coverage raises concerns among health professionals, as many families struggle to manage the financial burden of their children's cancer treatment without sufficient support from the national health insurance system.
Her stance was backed by her colleague, Dr Daniella Akrasi-Sarpong, also with the KBTH's Department of Child Health.
Together, they advocated for early diagnosis to increase the survival rate of children living with cancer in the country.
Latest Stories
-
‘That was a lie!’ – Trump lawyer clashes with Michael Cohen in hush-money trial
3 mins -
At least 56 people dead in Sudan’s North Darfur state, Doctors Without Borders says
48 mins -
Sony Music slams tech giants for unauthorised use of stars’ songs
1 hour -
Check out the nominees list for the 2024 BET Awards
2 hours -
TVET sector stresses need for industry collaboration for skills development
3 hours -
Algerian man found alive in cellar after 26 years
3 hours -
South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive
3 hours -
DJ Azonto seeks $10m from Bawumia for unauthorised use of his song
3 hours -
Cement price increment worst I have seen in recent times – Executive Secretary, GREDA
4 hours -
Family in shock as missing 12-year-old found dead in Korle Lagoon after Monday’s downpour
5 hours -
Samira Bawumia highlights Ghana’s strides in clean cooking solutions at UNESCO summit in France
5 hours -
US-funded Power Africa Program expands access to clean and affordable energy for Ghanaians
5 hours -
Asantehene’s daughter talks marriage, royal dynamics and cultural understanding
5 hours -
Encroachers on Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary line defy May 5 deadline to relocate
6 hours -
Government must invest in ECG to resolve revenue leakages – IES
6 hours