In an interview with Africa Watch Magazine, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), highlighted the significant improvements in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under the Akufo-Addo administration compared to the previous government led by John Mahama.
Dr. Bawumia praised the Akufo-Addo government for the infrastructural advancements in the health sector, particularly in expanding NHIS coverage to include treatments for childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients. He also lauded the introduction of the NHIS app, which allows Ghanaians to register and enroll using their Ghana card, making the process more efficient and accessible.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to making healthcare easily accessible across the country by connecting health facilities under the Ghana Health Service to one digital platform. According to Dr. Bawumia, all teaching hospitals, regional, and district hospitals have been connected, with plans to network over 90% of all hospitals in Ghana by the end of next year.
Looking ahead, Dr. Bawumia promised to invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved rural areas, to ensure equitable access to quality services. He also pledged to implement targeted initiatives to address healthcare disparities among vulnerable populations, such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Regarding the NHIS, Dr. Bawumia outlined plans to enhance its sustainability and efficiency through comprehensive reforms aimed at expanding coverage, improving revenue mobilization, and reducing administrative inefficiencies.