TUC tasks NHIA to come out with innovative strategies to sustain scheme

The Ghana Trades Union Congress has warned the current system of financing the National Health Insurance Scheme could lead to its collapse. Deputy General-Secretary of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, says the NHIS can only be sustained and improved if government adequately resources the Authority. He was addressing the 2nd quadrennial delegates conference of National Health Insurance Workers’ Union of UNICOF of TUC in Kumasi. Mr. Ansah noted the current source of funding for the scheme is insufficient to sustain it. “The current financing module of the NHIS can never sustain the scheme if it continues the same way. The time has come for all stakeholders to deliberate on new ways to finance the scheme and expand its coverage. “There must be another source of funding in addition to the SSNIT contribution and VAT rate”. The Deputy General Secretary of TUC charged the health insurance authority to be innovative in delivery of its mandate and expand coverage of the scheme. “If you want the health insurance to progress, you must bring on board a lot of new initiatives. Workers must be well motivated by the government to be innovative to make the scheme more efficient”. National chairman of NHIA workers’ union of UNICOF, Maxwell Mawuli Nyadedzor, commended government for its level of commitment towards the sustainability of the scheme. He supports the proposed increment of the NHIS levy in the 17.5 percent VAT rate from 2.5 to 3.5 percent. General Secretary of UNICOF, John Senanu Amegashie tasked staff of NHIS to play an efficient role in ensuring the effective delivery of health insurance in the country. But he expects the Authority to be adequately resourced to motivate employees and improve on productivity. The delegates conference provided members the platform to deliberate on pertinent welfare and administrative issues. The conference was on the theme “The Union: A Strategic Partner for the Sustainability of the NHIS and Promotion of Workers’ welfare”. Some outstanding workers of National Health Insurance Scheme were rewarded for their immense contribution towards improving the scheme. By Ibrahim Abubakar |3news.com]]>