Instrument to back Act 650 in motion

Accra Jan 27, GNA - The Legislative Instrument (LI) that would give backing to the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Act 650 is being prepared, Mr Joseph Kofi Adusei, a Senior Health Planner of the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Tuesday. Act 650 proposes the establishment of three types of health insurance schemes in Ghana.

These are District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, Private Health Insurance Scheme for limited liability companies and Private Mutual Health Insurance.

Mr Adusei, who was addressing the Ghana Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (GABLS) at a Forum held in Korle-Bu said LI that was under discussion would cover at least 90 per cent of diseases in the country.

"Most of the diseases that can be treated in the district hospitals will be covered," he added.

The Senior Health Planner however, mentioned that people would have to go to health facilities at the lower level for care before being granted coverage at the higher level.

Mr. Adusei said payment of 6,000 cedis a month has been proposed for those in the informal sector, while the formal sector would contribute two and half percent per person from their Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions.

He said Act 650 has a number of benefits, including the establishment of National Health Insurance Council.

The council, he said, would secure the implementation of a National Health Insurance Policy that would ensure access to basic health care services to all residents in Ghana.

He said the Council, when established would manage the National Health Insurance Fund.

The Act, he said, would also establish a fund, which would source its funds from health Insurance Levy, Grants and donations, funds allocated by Parliament and two and half per cent contribution from SSNIT contribution.

He said although the Act had been promulgated, the association would be tasked with developing protocols, which would lead to accrediting laboratory services in the country.

Mr Clement Opoku-Okrah, President of GABLS recounted the important role its members had played in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients.

He therefore, urged its members to study the Act to meet the challenges ahead.