The Northern Region of Ghana is grappling with a severe healthcare crisis as delays in the disbursement of funds for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) significantly affect healthcare delivery. Despite being covered by the scheme, many residents are forced to pay out-of-pocket for treatments and medications at various health facilities in the region, undermining the purpose of the NHIS.
Osman Adam, 37, recently experienced this firsthand when he rushed his wife, who was in labour, to the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Despite having NHIS coverage, he had to bear the full cost of her Caesarean section. “I was shocked when I was handed the bill,” he lamented. “Almost every drug and procedure that the scheme should have covered was billed to me. It was a huge financial burden during an already stressful time.”
Similarly, Hassan Dokurugu, 35, faced a comparable predicament when he took his wife to the Northern Regional Hospital in Tamale. “We are supposed to be beneficiaries of the NHIS, but it feels like we are not. I had to pay for almost everything, and it’s disheartening,” he said, visibly frustrated.
The situation isn’t isolated to maternity cases. Ayisha Ibrahim, a student admitted to the Tamale Technical University Hospital for ulcer treatment, also voiced her concerns. “I had to pay for every single treatment that should have been covered by the NHIS,” she complained. “It’s very discouraging. We rely on the NHIS for such emergencies, but it seems to fail us when we need it the most.”
Healthcare providers in the region are also feeling the strain. The delays in NHIS funds disbursement mean hospitals and clinics are unable to stock essential drugs and medical supplies, forcing them to charge patients directly. This practice not only burdens patients financially but also discourages them from seeking timely medical care, potentially worsening health outcomes.
Medical professionals in the Northern Region are calling for urgent intervention. Dr. Iddrisu Yahaya, a senior physician at Tamale Teaching Hospital, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The NHIS was established to ensure affordable healthcare for all, but these delays are undermining its effectiveness. The government needs to address these funding issues promptly to restore confidence in the system and ensure that all citizens receive the care they deserve.”
The delay in NHIS funds disbursement is a complex issue, with multiple stakeholders involved, including government agencies and healthcare providers. However, the immediate impact is felt most acutely by patients and their families who rely on the scheme for critical healthcare services.
As the situation persists, many in the Northern Region are left wondering when the promises of the NHIS will be fully realized. Until then, individuals like Osman, Hassan, and Ayisha continue to bear the brunt of a system that is failing to meet their healthcare needs, highlighting a pressing need for reforms and timely intervention.
Source: Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan/zaaradio.com
