The Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Authority and partners have launched the national non-resident visitors health insurance policy for all non-residet visitors in Accra.
According to the Minister, the move is timely as his Ministry is also implementing a Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020 - 2030).
He said "Ministry is currently implementing a Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020 - 2030) which defines UHC for Ghana as 'all people in Ghana have timely access to high-quality helath service irrespective of their ability to pay at the point of use"
"The emphasis is on 'all people in Ghana' which includes non-resident visitors"
He further explained that the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852) provides that bith residents in Ghanaust have health insurance to enhance their access to equittable health services for better quality of life.
The 2022 Holistic Assessment Report, he mentioned revealed a marhinal increase in NHIAS population coverage from 54.4% in 2021 to 54.5% in 2022.
"As a government, we are making significant progress in terms of coverage for residents"
"The goal of the policy is to promote, provide, and maintain good healthcare for all non-resident visitors in Ghana through health insurance"
The Minister hinted that the implementation of this policy wil culminate in te establishment of a National Non-Resident Visitors Health Insurance Scheme (HNRVHIS).
He added that the scheme will be the main vehicle for the delivery of a robust healthare services to non-residents who will be traveling to Ghana.
"It is worthy to note that while this policy is conceived to be standardised and comprehensive, in line with the laws and policies of the country at the time of the visit"
"Let me state categorically that this policy is not merely a document but a powerful declaration of intent and clarion call for collective action to ensure the achievement of UHC come 2030"
On his part, WHO Country Representative to Ghana, Prof. Francis Chisaka Kasolo said "Today, we take a steptowards addressing these challenges and promoting healthy equity for all"
"This policy will provide a safety net for non-resident populations, enabling them to seek timely and appropriate healthcare services without fear of financial hardship"
"The success of this great initiative however, hings on the collaboration and collective effort of all stakeholders involved"
"We must work together to overcome the barriers that non-resident populations face in accessing healthcare"
"This includes addressing language barriers through translation services, providing culturally sensitive care and raising awareness about the availability and benefits of the Non-resident Health Insurance Policy"
"Your commitment to health equity and inclusivity is commendable, and I am confident that this policy will make a significant difference in the lives of non-resident populations"
Taking his turn, Board Chairman of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Ernest Kwarko said "While the NHIA has made significant strides in expanding coverage for persons resident in the country"
"There remains a gap when it comes to healthcare services for persons not resident in the country but who are on a visit to the country,as required by law"
He stressed that the introduction of the mandatory scheme underscores NHIA's commitment to providing quality healthcare services to every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status.
"Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind due to lack of access to essential medical services"
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith