Hon. Sebastian Sandaare, Member of Parliament for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa and Vice Chairman of the Health Committee, has clarified that the Mahama Cares initiative aims to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) rather than replace it. This statement comes amid concerns about the sustainability and effectiveness of the NHIS.
The Mahama Cares initiative is designed to provide financial support to individuals suffering from chronic health conditions, including kidney and liver diseases, cancers, and cardiac ailments. The program seeks to establish a robust policy and legal framework, ensuring sustainable funding and transparent eligibility criteria.
Key Aspects of Mahama Cares:
Funding Sources: The initiative will be funded through a combination of sources, including the National Health Insurance Levy, budget allocations, private corporate donations, and grants from development partners.
Complementary Role: Mahama Cares is intended to work alongside the NHIS, providing additional support to individuals with chronic diseases who may struggle to afford medical care.
Sustainability: The program aims to establish a statutory entity with a dedicated fund, ensuring long-term viability and reliability .However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of Mahama Cares on the NHIS. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has suggested that the Covid-19 levy could be a viable financing option for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, rather than allocating 20% of the National Health Insurance Fund .
It’s worth noting that Hon. Sandaare has previously expressed concerns about the NHIS’s financial struggles, stating that the scheme is “almost dead” due to gross mismanagement and inadequate funding .
