NGO calls on government to invest in NHIS

The Universal Access to Healthcare Campaign (UAHC), a non-governmental organisation in health, has called on the Ministry of Health to invest more in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

This, the organisation believes, would ensure that the poor in society could access healthcare without suffering any financial hardship.

The organisation made the call at the weekend when it presented a communiqué to the Ministry of Health after a walk from the Obra Spot in Circle through some principal streets in Accra to the Arts Centre.

Archibald Adams, National Campaign Co-ordinator, UAHC, said the walk was to prompt the Ministry to bridge the inequalities in the health sector.

“Health is a human right and every Ghanaian in any part of the country should enjoy good healthcare at all times,” he said.

Mr Adams appealed to the Ministry to make available essential lifesaving drugs especially for HIV/AIDS patients and maternal and new born.

He commended government for the review of the National Health Insurance Scheme, stressing that the review should be geared towards making the scheme financially sustainable.

Mr Adams called on the Ministry of Health to liaise with the Ministry of Transport to invest in regional and district transportation to increase access to healthcare through improved road network.

“We are also calling on the Ministry to support civil society organisations to monitor and hold state institutions accountable for delivering health services and strengthening communities’ capacity to deliver healthcare services,” he said.

Mr Hamidu Adakurugu, Legal Director at the Ministry of Health, who received the communiqué on behalf of the Minister, gave the assurance that urgent attention would be given to the concerns raised.

Source: GNA