Minority lash out at health minister
Issues concerning the provisions of a one-time premium under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the 2012 budget statement took centre stage in Parliament’s discussions yesterday. Minister of Health, Joseph Yieleh Chireh had a tough time at the hands of minority MPs who feel the one-time premium idea is unworkable.
The 2012 budget statement highlighted among other things government’s plan for the various sectors of the economy of which the Health sector received a serious attention as plans for infrastructural improvement featured prominently on the cards.
To further improve financial controls and efficiency, the NHIS according to the budget will pilot capitation as an alternative Provider Payment Mechanism whiles the review of the NHIS law would result in a major restructuring of the scheme at the district, regional and national levels.
More predictable but controversial was the plan to finally implement the one-time premium payment under the NHIS which was a campaign promise by the NDC during their quest for leadership in the 2008 general elections.
However, the implementation of the one-time premium scheme has come under heavy criticism from various groups including the opposition NPP and a senior medical officer Dr. Badu Akosa. They are of the view that the one-time premium system will be the last nail that will finally collapses the NHIS if implemented.
But Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffduor, asserts in the budget statement that the one-time premium payment system must be implemented next year in order to accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage.
Even though debate on the budget is slated for next week issues relating to the one time premium provision sparked a heated debate yesterday in parliament when the Health Minister YielehChireh appeared to answer questions on the floor.
Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, attacking the possibility of the one-time premium demanded from the sector minister what government had so far done to ensure that the premium was executed.
The Minority leader was also critical of the Health Minister for demonstrating shallow mindedness about the law establishing the NHIS.
“Madam Speaker, that bill was introduced into this House in 2002 and we passed the bill, it was accented to by the President and it is referred to as the National Health Insurance Act 2003 (650). You are the Minister of Health and these rudimentary facts you don’t know.”
Minister of Health in reaction also said a bill in 2010 was laid before parliament to re-enact the law. He also accused the minority for delaying in the implementation of the law for a year when it was passed 2003.
“Look, when you passed the law you did nothing for a whole year when it was getting to election time you started appointing people. When did it take effect? So whatever you think, that is also factually ‘inexactutuu’ or what…,’ the minister said, laughing.
By: Aisha Ibrahim, e.tv Ghana
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