VAST-Ghana has urged the Ghanaian government to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) to reduce financial strain on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Measures such as revising betting taxes and excise taxes on unhealthy products are recommended to enhance revenue for health interventions, particularly for non-communicable diseases.
The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development – Ghana (VAST-Ghana) has urged the Ghanaian government to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) to alleviate strain on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). According to VAST-Ghana, uncapping the NHIL, as previously promised by the President, would provide critical additional funds needed to reduce financial burdens on both the NHIS and patients.
Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of VAST-Ghana and National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, emphasized the need for the government to amend the earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act (Act 947). He noted that current laws prevent the NHIS from receiving its full NHIL allocation, with less than 60 percent of the NHIS budget utilized for claim payments due to resource diversion.
Uncapping the NHIL is seen as a viable solution to assist individuals suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), who face high out-of-pocket costs for medications and treatments. VAST-Ghana expressed concern that the capping law adversely affects NHIS operations, exacerbating patient financial burdens due to increased healthcare costs.
In addition to the NHIL concerns, VAST-Ghana suggested that the government consider revising the betting tax and implementing measures to control the harmful impact of sports betting on public health. They noted that rising cases of betting addiction among the youth contribute to mental health issues, which worsen the NCD crisis in the country.
VAST-Ghana advocated for a review of excise taxes on unhealthy products, such as tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages, indicating that recent tax increases have not kept pace with inflation, resulting in revenue losses for the government. They highlighted the significant increase in excise tax revenue since new taxes were introduced in April 2023, calling for a percentage of this revenue to be allocated to health interventions.
Furthermore, VAST-Ghana expressed appreciation for President John Dramani Mahama’s impending dedication of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCare) to address NCD treatment, acknowledging the global urgency of combatting the NCD epidemic. They urged the government to redirect COVID-19 funds towards supporting NCD initiatives and the new Trust Fund.
The call from VAST-Ghana highlights critical measures that the Ghanaian government can undertake to enhance the financial sustainability of the NHIS and improve health outcomes for the population. Uncapping the NHIL and adjusting excise taxes on unhealthy products are necessary steps to bolster healthcare funding. The establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and proper management of COVID-19 funds are also paramount in addressing the growing NCD epidemic.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
