Former President John Dramani Mahama has demanded that the Minister of Health resign after openly admitting that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has failed.
Kwaku Agyemang Manu has stated that the Scheme is no longer operational, admitting that he no longer uses the service and instead pays for his medical treatment.
According to him, the treatment of NHIS card holders at various facilities is subpar, and he is outraged that patients who cannot afford to pay are denied access to medical services.
In response to the Minister’s admission of failure, the former president demanded that Mr. Agyemang Manu resign.
“He has admitted that he has failed. He has not been able to grow the NHIS, and he says it has failed… he has no business being the minister for health. He should resign.”
Mr. Mahama made the remarks to wild applause during a meeting with National Democratic Congress (NDC) branch and constituency executives in Sefwi Adobokrom, Bia East Constituency.
Mr. Mahama went on to say that holders of the NHIS card are being turned away from most health facilities because the government is not paying their claims.
“Health facilities have not been paid since last year for services provided to card holders. How do you expect them to continue treating them”, he asked.
Many have questioned the Minister’s public complaints rather than taking responsibility to make the Scheme operational.
“Who should be held accountable if the NHIS is not functioning properly?” Mr. Mahama quizzed, restating his position that Mr. Kwaku Agyeman Manu must resign.
“It is unacceptable for a Minister to act as a passive observer on the sideline. The collapse of the Scheme occurred during his tenure and under his leadership. Accepting that the system is not working should be accompanied by a resignation.”
