The Catholic Health Service Trust has called for a review of the National Health Insurance Scheme tariff, citing the need for quality healthcare delivery.

According to the group, the current rates are too low, making it challenging for healthcare facilities to provide quality services.

Bishop Responsible for Health at the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier believes the current tariffs may compromise the healthcare system if not reviewed.

“Please, look at those low rates and review them in line with the current situation with prices to help our facilities to reach out to the people,” he said.

The 20th National Conference and Medical Fair of the Catholic Health Service Trust held in Kumasi is themed; “Achieve Universal Health Coverage: CHSTs Renewed Focus on Quality.”

To the Trust, the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme is a major setback for services rendered to the public.

Presently, issues with tariffs and delayed payments continue to erode the working capital of health facilities under the trust.

Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier revealed aside from the low tariffs, payments to the facilities have often delayed.

Acknowledging the improvements in delayed payments, the Catholic Health Service Trust believes more can be done.

“We have suffered from long delays in providing payments and this has eroded the working capital needed for drugs and other consumables,” she added.

However, the National Health Insurance Authority has assured of its continued collaboration and commitment to improving services to the health facilities.

Ashanti Regional Director of NHIA, Mohammed Muniru Muntaka, delivering a speech on behalf of the CEO, indicated payment time has already improved.

“Now our payments are not like before. I want to assure you there are a lot of initiative to bring it closer,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Health Service Trusts is calling for effective collaboration with the Ghana Health Service.

The Most Reverend further indicates such collaborations are key in achieving universal health coverage.

Source: Nana Yaw Gyimah