The People's National Party (PNP) has raised issues on the current state of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), decrying what it describes as being on the verge of collapse.
According to the party, the current state of the scheme dangerously mirrors the discredited "cash-and-carry" era it was designed to eliminate.
In a statement issued by PNP leader and founder, Janet Asana Nabla, the party lamented that the original vision of the NHIS, championed by renowned physician and politician Dr Edward Nasigrie Mahama, has been eroded under successive administrations.
“The NHIA was the brainchild of Dr Edward Nasigrie Mahama, who left his post at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to pursue political leadership with a mission to abolish the cruel cash-and-carry system that was killing thousands of poor Ghanaians. Although Dr Mahama did not become President, his proposal was adopted by successive governments and implemented for the benefit of all Ghanaians. Today, that legacy is being dismantled,” the statement read.
Citing a recent personal ordeal, Ms Nabla claimed that her cousin was charged GHS 1,636.40 at a government hospital for pharmaceuticals, laboratory tests, and basic consumables, despite being a valid NHIS cardholder.
She maintained that this is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader systemic failure that continues to inflict hardship on ordinary citizens.
Key demands and recommendations
The PNP is demanding that the government, through the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority, publicly acknowledge the current status of the NHIA as a co-payment system. The party is also calling for swift remedial action, including:
- Restoring the NHIA to its original purpose of providing genuinely free and accessible healthcare.
- Supplying public hospitals and health centres with essential logistics and medical resources.
- Eliminating all out-of-pocket payments for services covered under the NHIA.
- Investigating the causes of co-payment practices and ensuring accountability across the board.
The party proposed a set of structural reforms to enhance the sustainability of the scheme, including:
- An immediate review of NHIA tariffs to reflect current market prices, thereby curbing the emergence of illegal charges.
- The introduction of dedicated sin taxes on alcohol and tobacco products to generate additional revenue for the NHIA.
- Full, direct, and prompt transfer of the 2.5% NHIA levy into the scheme’s account, in accordance with Dr Mahama’s original policy prescription.
- Reducing the reimbursement window for healthcare service providers from three months to one month, to prevent illicit charges and operational paralysis at public facilities.
A call to action
“The current trajectory of the NHIA endangers lives and violates the social contract between government and citizens,” the PNP warned. “We call on the government to act swiftly and decisively to restore dignity, trust, and equity to Ghana’s healthcare system.”
Latest Stories
-
Teenager reports family to DOVVSU over limited meals, pocket money
3 minutes -
Bond market: Trading activity GH¢2.12bn, highest since 2023
7 minutes -
Importers and Exporters Association applauds appointment of women to GMA board
8 minutes -
BoG working on new framework to enable SMEs unlock short-term capital – Second Deputy BoG Governor
13 minutes -
PURC warns against unapproved meters as revenue loss hits NEDCo in Bono East
15 minutes -
Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay to deliver keynote address at Africa Rising Symposium at LSE
41 minutes -
Cedi confidence and the cost of complacency: What the BoG Governor’s speech reveals
1 hour -
Ga Mantse pledges support for Onesta Ghana’s Palm Oil expansion drive
1 hour -
Today’s Front pages: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
2 hours -
2025 Ghana CEO Vision & Awards: Basil David Anthony nominated for CEO of the Year in Deco and Design
3 hours -
Government committed to honouring sacrifices of veterans – Defence Minister
3 hours -
Mahama’s fuel ban could deliver 81 maternity clinics, 121 schools and 303 CHPS compounds – Dr Khalid
3 hours -
Fuel allowance scrapped: Gov’t, on average, will save over GH¢121m in 4 years – Dr Sharif Khalid
3 hours -
Veterans deserve better – Defence Minister Omane Boamah calls for national support
3 hours -
Trump launches probe into Brazil’s ‘unfair’ trade practices
4 hours