The World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana Office executives, met the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, and discussed the possibilities of domestic financing of Ghana’s healthcare systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
During a working visit to the NHIA Head Office, the Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Frank Lule, called for combined efforts to overcome financial barriers and provide financial risk protection to all residents of Ghana.
He endorsed the government’s comprehensive Free Primary Healthcare and Mahama Cares policies and reaffirmed the WHO’s continuous alliance to improve preventive and promotive healthcare.
He also acknowledged the government’s contribution to hosting the West African Health Organization (WAHO), which is responsible for coordinating regional health interventions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Region.
Dr. Frank Lule bewailed the United States government’s funding cut to the WHO, which necessitated a shortfall in implementing the organization’s critical global health initiatives.
The NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe called for the government’s bailout to uphold the WHO’s contributions to the nation’s healthcare sector.
He mentioned the uncapping of the Health Insurance Fund, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the national agenda of attaining UHC.
He said the NHIA had reinforced a national task force mandated to eliminate the out-of-pocket (copayments) administered by some credentialed healthcare providers, which was eroding public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The Deputy Chief Executive for Operations, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, expressed gratitude to the WHO for its unwavering support in strengthening the nation’s healthcare systems.
Dr. Chris Atim, a Senior Technical Advisor to the NHIA Chief Executive, on the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Policy, gave an overview of its implementation, seeking to increase the vulnerable population’s access to healthcare services.
Directors present provided valuable insights and contributions to the discussion.
The WHO delegation included the Operations Officer, Mr. Philip Kennedy Yaro, and the Technical Officer-Health Financing and Human Resource for Health, Dr. Adwoa Twum-Barimah.
Source: NHIA
