Available figures from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) indicate that in 2016 only ten million Ghanaians were on the Health Insurance Scheme.This number has shot up to 17.8 million with a debt burden of 1.2 million cedis.The Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, who said this at the launch of Telehealth services in Ejisu, said, currently government through the NHIA has paid all claims owed facilities across the country.Government has rolled out a new initiative called "Telehealth" which is geared towards improving healthcare delivery across the region.The launch was a pilot within Ashanti Region and later extended to other parts of the country.Under the Telehealth, health professionals are expected to virtually engage and provide health tips to patients who may need their services.Managers of the service are also expected to enroll more Ghanaians onto the Health Insurance Scheme.Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, Dr Aboagye said, government has asked health facilities whose claims are in arrears to submit them for payment.He announced that from December 1, 2024, government will provide free dialysis for all kidney patients covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting patients in need through the NHIS.The New free dialysis policy follows a successful pilot program launched earlier this year for patients over 60 and under 18 years of age."This NHIS was collapsing, we have revived it with a huge investment.
Childhood cancer and sickle cell have now been included," he stated."From December 1,2024, all patients will receive free treatment under the NHIS," he added.Read also:Bawumia launches Telehealth services