The Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, says the government has successfully revived and expanded Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which he claims was nearly collapsed under former President John Mahama.

Speaking to stakeholders in the Suame Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia said the NPP inherited a troubled scheme in 2017, facing financial difficulties and limited coverage. 

However, he said the government has since injected funding to improve and broaden the scheme, adding new benefits to ease the healthcare burden on Ghanaians.

“The NHIS was virtually collapsed under Mahama, but we have revived and strengthened it,” Dr. Bawumia said. He added that the NHIS now covers critical treatments, including free care for childhood cancers and a costly medication called hydroxyurea for sickle cell patients. “This drug, hydroxyurea, is very expensive but is now provided free to those suffering from sickle cell under the NHIS,” he noted.

Dr. Bawumia further announced a major addition to the scheme: free kidney dialysis for eligible patients. After a successful six-month pilot programme, dialysis treatments for individuals over 60 and under 18 will be fully covered under the NHIS starting December 1, 2024.

Since its inception under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the NHIS has been regarded as one of the NPP's flagship achievements. Following an NDC promise to implement a one-time premium, Dr. Bawumia claims the scheme experienced setbacks, creating significant challenges in healthcare access for many Ghanaians. 

"Today, illnesses that were previously not covered under the NHIS are now included. This is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all," Dr. Bawumia stated, affirming the government’s dedication to maintaining and expanding healthcare access across the country.