Accra, Ghana – March 20, 2025: The leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), led by its President, Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, paid a working visit to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, to discuss key issues affecting the pharmaceutical sector and health insurance scheme in Ghana.

During the meeting, Dr. Bampoe announced the NHIA’s plan to launch a committee dedicated to addressing the issue of co-payments in healthcare. He emphasized that this initiative aims to eliminate illegal charges imposed on patients and make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians. The committee’s focus will be on three key areas: tariff reviews, regularity of claims reimbursements, and provider payment mechanisms.

Dr. Bampoe stated that this strategic move aligns with the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to essential healthcare services. He also highlighted the importance of tackling co-payments in the context of the Mahama Cares initiative and the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, both of which seek to enhance healthcare accessibility.

Strengthening public trust in NHIS

As part of his vision for the NHIA, Dr. Bampoe reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He outlined measures to curb illegal out-of-pocket payments at healthcare facilities, including regular tariff reviews, enhanced monitoring, public education, effective provider engagement, and stricter enforcement of NHIS policies.

Furthermore, he stressed the NHIA’s dedication to improving reimbursement timelines and strengthening collaborations with healthcare providers. He noted that efforts to enhance financial accountability, streamline claims management, and leverage technology would reduce inefficiencies, wastage, and potential abuses within the system.

PSGH’s proposals for strengthening NHIS

PSGH President, Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, congratulated Dr. Bampoe and the new NHIA executive management on their appointment and proposed key interventions to strengthen pharmaceutical services under the NHIS. He recommended the introduction of a dispensing fee for prescriptions filled by pharmacists, a practice widely adopted in developed countries, to encourage more community pharmacies to participate in the NHIS as service providers.

Additionally, Pharm. Donkoh suggested that NHIA conduct a new survey and publish an updated medicines price list for 2025. This, he argued, would ensure that medicine prices under NHIS are realistic and sustainable for community pharmacies.

Enhancing efficiency in community pharmacies

Deputy Chief Executive of Operations at NHIA, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, highlighted the importance of setting and maintaining high standards for community pharmacies participating in the NHIS. He noted that stringent quality measures would help eliminate counterfeit medicines and ensure that citizens receive only safe and effective medications. Strengthening these standards, he added, would also enhance the efficiency of community pharmacies and improve service delivery.

The Director of Strategic Health Purchasing at NHIA, Mrs. Ruby Aileen Mensah Annan, along with other NHIA directors, contributed valuable insights during the meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting PSGH in achieving its mandate.

The PSGH delegation was led by its President, Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, and included Pharm. Dr. Denis Awitty, the Executive Secretary; Pharm. Dr. Naana Aboagye-Asare, the Treasurer; and Pharm. Dr. Abena Ekufua Esia-Donkoh, the Central Regional Chair.

Representing the NHIA at the meeting were Mr. Francis Oti Frempong, Director of Membership and Regional Operations; Mr. Magnus Owusu-Agyemang, Director of Actuarial; Dr. Yaw Opoku-Boateng, Director of Quality Assurance; and Mrs. Annette Obenewaa Adutwum, Director of Legal. Also in attendance were Dr. Abigail Derkyi-Kwarteng, Acting Director of Claims; Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs; Ms. Faustina Dery, Head of Communications; and Mrs. Nina Amoah-Buabeng, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between PSGH and NHIA in pursuit of improved healthcare services and pharmaceutical care in Ghana. The launch of the co-payment committee is expected to be a significant step toward ensuring fair, transparent, and accessible healthcare financing for all citizens.