Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame has addressed concerns regarding the refusal of doctors to treat patients holding valid National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards.
Responding to inquiries posed by Madina MP, Francis-Xavier Kojo, the minister clarified that the current legal framework does not criminalize such conduct.
According to Mr. Yeboah Dame, the National Health Insurance Act of 2012 (Act 852) does not explicitly deem it illegal for doctors to refuse treatment or issue medical forms to NHIS cardholders.
Additionally, Part Two of the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act of 2013 (Act 857), which encompasses the Medical and Dental Council, does not criminalize such actions either. Even the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29) fails to address this particular conduct.
Mr. Yeboah Dame however assured Parliament that if there arises a necessity to criminalize such conduct, his office stands ready to act. He emphasized that upon receiving drafting instructions from the Ministry of Health, responsible for the NHIS, they would proceed to formulate relevant legislation to address the issue.
This clarification comes amidst growing concerns over instances where patients holding valid NHIS cards are denied treatment or essential medical forms.
