By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, (Bono), May 28, GNA – Mr Isaac Badu Amponsah, the Bono Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has cautioned service providers under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to desist from the collection of illegal fees, also known as co-payments, as the government rolls out the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme.
He stated that such unacceptable practices not only impede the effective operation of the NHIS but also undermine the free PHC programme, which is aimed at improving healthcare delivery outcomes in the country.
Mr Amponsah explained that President John Dramani Mahama had launched the government’s flagship FPHC programme to accelerate Ghana’s progress towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC), with strong emphasis on preventive care and community-based health services.
The programme, he said, ensures that individuals have access to essential first-contact healthcare services without out-of-pocket payments, thereby removing financial barriers while prioritising preventive care, routine screenings and treatment of common conditions.
Mr Amponsah gave the caution when he paid a courtesy call on Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Area, in Sunyani.
He noted that the country continued to make strides in the health sector, citing the selection of the Sunyani Teaching Hospital and the Berekum Holy Family Catholic Hospital as beneficiaries of the “MahamaCares” policy.
The “MahamaCares” policy, formally known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), is a specialised initiative designed to finance healthcare for Ghanaians suffering from chronic and life-threatening non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancers, kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases and sickle cell conditions.
Mr Amponsah said the initiative would significantly enhance healthcare service delivery in the region and the country at large, and called on Ghanaians to support the programme by assisting the NHIA to address challenges such as co-payments.
He commended the Paramount Chief for his commitment to improving health outcomes in the region and appealed for continued support in the fight against illegal charges within the health system.
In response, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Korkor II commended the management and staff of the NHIA in the region for their dedication and hard work, noting that the Authority’s role in enhancing the quality of life of the people was unmatched.
He remarked: “My experiences while working with the NHIA shaped my life and prepared me for chieftaincy leadership,” describing the Authority as a life-saving institution that directly impacts the well-being of the people.
The Paramount Chief urged NHIA personnel to remain non-partisan and not allow political considerations to affect their operations, while also encouraging the Authority to prioritise staff welfare by improving their conditions of service.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Dennis Peprah
[email protected]