The opposition National Democratic Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will introduce a “once for life” insurance policy when voted into power in December. The policy they say will replace the expensive annual premiums paid under the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) introduced by the ruling New Patriotic Party. The NHIS annual premium paid under the current policy for the informal sector is between GH¢7.2 – GH ¢48 depending on the income levels. A 2.5% health insurance levy is also charged on selected goods and services which are channeled into the insurance fund. But the NDC says this arrangement is a drain on the pockets of Ghanaians. In an interview with Joy News the NDC spokes person on Health and MP for Jomoro, Lee Ocran says under an NDC government, Ghanaians would only be registered once and would be able to access health care for life. “At the age of 18 you will go and pay once for life premium and that is all, you would not have to renew it every year” The 2.5% insurance levy should be able to take care of health needs for life, he added. Author: Nathan Gadugah