PROMOTING HUMAN WELFARE THROUGH THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS): EVIDENCE FROM THE WA MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

The National Health Insurance Scheme is a promising scheme to achieve equity healthcare for all. The study assessed the efficacy of NHIS and its implication for the well-being of the insured. Data was collected from Wa MHIA (1), healthcare providers (32) and insured persons (389) using questionnaire, interviews and observations. The study's findings showed that the NHIS is efficient but challenged to include; long periodic delay in disbursing claims to healthcare providers; rising issues of doubts of trustworthiness and loyalty among respondents; and relative additional cost on drugs shifted to the insured. Also, there was weak collaboration between the Wa MHIA and healthcare providers that did not permit the insured persons in deliberations regarding policy effectiveness. However, the NHIS provided satisfactory healthcare to improve the quality of service for the well-being of the insured. Thus, the hypothesis confirmed that, well-being of the insured is dependent on the quality of service delivered by healthcare providers. Therefore, it is concluded that working on its challenges, equity healthcare for all, and quality of service for the well-being of the insured will be highly maximized and will guarantee the sustainability of NHIS. The researcher therefore recommends that: the NHIA, should fast track processes of claim disbursement to healthcare providers, strengthen interactions and collaborations among all stakeholders, including the insured in policy discussions and improve field monitoring of healthcare providers to ensure that, they continue to provide sustainable quality service for the well-being of the insured.