The Lambusie Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Titus Beyuo has asserted that the NDC’s primary healthcare policy provides a stronger foundation for Ghana’s health care system compared to the current government’s approach.
He emphasized the “free” aspect of the policy, which is designed to enhance healthcare access for everyone, particularly in rural areas where healthcare resources are limited.
Dr. Beyuo cited a recent survey indicating that less than 23% of rural residents possess a valid National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card, and fewer than 45% of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds are certified to offer NHIS services. He argued that the current policy’s reliance on membership-based access prevents many Ghanaians from receiving basic healthcare, despite the fact that all citizens contribute to the NHIS through a levy rather than direct premiums.
He said under the NDC’s proposed plan, every Ghanaian would be entitled to a minimum package of healthcare services at CHPS compounds, regardless of their NHIS membership status.
He revealed that currently, there are around 4,000 operational CHPS compounds, with plans to rehabilitate an additional 2,000 to reach a target of 6,000 functional facilities. The projected annual cost for maintaining these facilities is approximately 345 million Ghana cedis.
In the second phase of the initiative, the NDC intends to extend services to additional health centers, with an expected annual cost of around 439 million Ghana cedis. The total expense for implementing both phases is estimated at 49 million dollars per year.
Dr. Beyuo criticized the government’s cap on NHIS funding, describing it as a barrier to adequate healthcare financing. He pledged that an NDC administration under John Dramani Mahama would eliminate this cap, freeing up resources to expand healthcare services nationwide. He noted that the NHIS fund, estimated at 5 billion Ghana cedis in 2023, would be utilized to finance the NDC’s healthcare initiatives.
He emphasized that the NDC’s primary healthcare strategy encompasses more than just curative care; it also includes preventive services, health education, and other essential public health components. He expressed confidence that this approach aligns with the needs of Ghanaians and represents a significant step toward ensuring universal access to basic healthcare for all.
