The National Health Insurance Scheme is clearly one of the most important manifestations of government’s commitment to investing in people. During the first month of assumption of office I toured some of the 145 District Health Insurance Schemes to assess their potential in the realization of the health goals of government. A lot have been achieved within the short span of five years of implementation. A lot more also need to be done, and urgently too, to address the challenges that threaten the sustainability of the scheme.
We need to take strong measures to check serious leakages in claims management. To this end clinical audits will be intensified to check fraudulent claims. We have to ensure that the newly introduced common information technology platform to drive the programme is working to satisfaction. We face serious manpower problems at the scheme level that must be resolved through training and introduction of new ideas, competencies and skills. The governance structure of the NHIS would be overhauled and made to fit into government’s strategic direction. So will the unworkable legal framework, Act 650, be revised to address all inconsistencies.
My administration is committed to the full realization of government’s policy of one-time payment of affordable premium for all residents. This social contract and obligation is not negotiable and we expect to bring it into fruition by December 2010. In the interim residents are urged to continue to register and pay existing premium or renew membership to enjoy the benefits of the NHIS.
I urge staff of the District Health Insurance Schemes not to politicize the scheme and to work as professional public servants to ensure security of tenure. Let us see our duties as God given responsibility to improve the health of Ghanaians and through that the wealth of the nation.
I on my part bring to the National Health Insurance Scheme a hands on and eye on the ball approach to solve the challenges that we face and ensure that the NHIS is truly the passport to quality and affordable healthcare for all Ghanaians. This requires teamwork, responsible attitude and quality leadership at all levels.
Thank you
Sylvester A. Mensah
