A leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, has expressed disappointment over the proposal to make the National Health Insurance Scheme mandatory for foreigners visiting Ghana.
According to reports, the new policy will require foreign nationals arriving in Ghana from Monday, July 1, 2024, to purchase compulsory health insurance, costing between $45 and $270, before entering the country.
However, Otchere Darko, a staunch supporter of the NPP, openly voiced his opposition to the government’s decision.
In his post X profile On Tuesday, June 18, he wrote, “Oh my gosh? This must be fake.”
Ghana has introduced a compulsory health insurance scheme to ensure all visitors have access to the medical services they need during their stay.
The policy stipulates that all non-resident visitors entering Ghana must join the scheme, which entitles them to free health care services.
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The policy applies to visitors entering through the airport on a visa or visa on arrival and depends on the duration of their stay in Ghana.
In addition, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), will launch the “National Non-Resident Visitor Health Insurance” policy in February 2024.
The measure covers non-residents visiting Ghana for less than six months in any 12-month period.
Speaking at the launch of the policy, former Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, indicated that the introduction of the policy was done in tandem with the implementation of the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act No. 852).
According to him, the law mandates the provision of quality and accessible health care to both residents and non-residents in the country.
It further stipulates that these services should be covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure equitable access to healthcare and improve the quality of life for all.
