Parliament Passes Bill to Amend National Health Insurance Fund

Parliament approved the National Health Insurance Fund Amendment Bill on Wednesday, allowing 20 per cent of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) revenues to be transferred to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares.

If given presidential assent, the new law will eliminate input tax deductions on the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) levy.

The 20 per cent allocation to the Medical Trust Fund is intended to bolster programmes addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a growing concern for public health in Ghana.

Debate before the Bill’s passage revealed strong disagreement between the Majority and Minority sides regarding the origins of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority insisted the NHIS was launched in 2003 under President John Agyekum Kufuor, providing primary healthcare access to citizens who previously faced upfront medical costs. “This scheme revolutionized healthcare access for the ordinary Ghanaian,” a Minority MP stated.

However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority countered that the concept of the NHIS originated during the administration of President Jerry John Rawlings.

The passage of this Bill represents a crucial advancement in Ghana’s strategy to enhance healthcare funding and reinforce vital health interventions, according to officials.

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