NHIS sustenance key to national development – Chief Imam

National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu has lauded the proposal to seek additional funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). According to the Chief Imam, many Ghanaians largely depend on the NHIS for their health care, and therefore its sustenance is key in promoting national development. Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu made these pronouncements when management of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) led by its CEO, Dr. Samuel Annor paid a courtesy call on him at his residence in Fadama. The visit was among others, to seek support as government is called upon to reconsider the financial model of the scheme. The Chief Imam praised the current management of the Authority on the prompt payment of claims to service providers and called on them to ensure that subscribers are given the best health care when they visit their facilities. On his part, the CEO of the NHIA, Dr. Annor, assured the Chief Imam and his elders of measures the board and management are putting in place to arrest issues of scarce NHIS funds. “The board has directed that our management engages the right procedures to roll out the electronic claims system which seeks to reduce the time for claims processing and fraud in the scheme.” “We are currently piloting an innovation where our members will no longer have to travel and wait for hours to renew their membership but instead, use mobile phones through a short code from the comfort of their homes,” Dr. Annor added. Since the beginning of this year, management of the NHIA has deliberated with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, media practitioners, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), organized labour, representatives of associations in the health sector and the general public on its reforms. The proposals made to government include an increase in the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) component of the VAT from 2.5% to 3.5% levy on sugar, alcohol and tobacco to fund the scheme. There is also a proposal for the allocation of parts of oil revenue into the Health Fund to enable it become financially stable for its efficient operations. Source: 3news.com| Ghana]]>