Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund could have been integrated into NHIS — NPP communicator criticizes NDC
According to him, the initiative should have been incorporated into the existing National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) rather than being introduced as a separate programme.
Abongpaari Alhassan Vincent, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team in the Chiana-Paga Constituency, has criticised the implementation of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares.
According to him, the initiative should have been incorporated into the existing National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) rather than being introduced as a separate programme.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday July 23, Abongpaari expressed concern that the establishment of a separate board to manage the new fund would lead to a duplication of roles.
“For Mahama to create a new department and appoint a board of trustees, is that not duplication? We already have the NHIS Board handling similar responsibilities. There’s no need for another,” he stated.
He also took issue with the government’s proposal to allocate 20% of the National Health Levy to support the fund, describing it as unnecessary and poorly thought out.
“I’m not happy that they intend to take 20% of the National Health Levy to fund this. That money could be better used to strengthen the NHIS,” he argued.
Abongpaari further accused former President Mahama of pursuing personal legacy rather than national interest.
“Someone from my side said Akuffo Addo is known for Free SHS, and J.A. Kufuor for the NHIS, so Mahama also wants something to his name? That’s not how we build sustainable healthcare. Just integrate it into the NHIS and let’s move on.”
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
