By Peter Agengre
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri, has called for greater collaboration to improve healthcare delivery in the region while cautioning against misinformation about Ghana’s health insurance system.
He made the remarks while addressing members of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana at their annual dinner in Bolgatanga.
According to the Minister, public discussions about the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) must be grounded in facts rather than politics. He stressed that the scheme was established through deliberate policy planning and broad stakeholder consultation, not through individual efforts as sometimes portrayed.
“You’ve no idea how NHIS came about. Stop deceiving the public,” Mr Akamugri stated, urging commentators and political actors to avoid misinforming citizens about the origins and operations of the scheme.
The Minister noted that while the NHIS remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s healthcare system, it continues to face challenges, including delayed reimbursements, funding gaps and increasing service demands. He said the government is committed to strengthening the scheme to ensure sustainability and improved service delivery.
Mr Akamugri further acknowledged the significant role private health facilities play in healthcare provision across the Upper East Region. He described them as essential partners in expanding access to quality care, especially in underserved communities.
The regional minister also encouraged health facility operators to uphold professional standards, maintain transparency in billing practices and continue delivering quality services to residents.
The annual dinner brought together health practitioners, facility owners and stakeholders to discuss challenges within the sector and explore ways of improving healthcare outcomes in the region.
