In a significant move aimed at advancing healthcare delivery and enhancing access to essential medicines, the Association of Representatives of Ethical Pharmaceutical Industries (AREPI) has initiated a collaborative dialogue with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
The engagement took place during a delegation from AREPI, led by its President, Mr. Philip Selassie Tagboto, who paid a courtesy call on the NHIA’s leadership.
The meeting was organised not only to congratulate the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, and his executive team, but also to explore strategic areas of collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry and the Authority.
The discussions centred on how both entities can work together to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system, especially in the areas of medicine accessibility, policy development, and claims reimbursement processes.
AREPI, a leading body representing ethical pharmaceutical companies operating in Ghana, reiterated its commitment to supporting policies and frameworks that ensure Ghanaians have reliable access to high-quality medicines and vaccines.
Mr. Tagboto emphasised the Association’s willingness to serve as a dependable partner to the NHIA in efforts to guarantee that patients covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) do not face delays or barriers in receiving critical medications.
“AREPI remains committed to promoting access to quality medicines and vaccines in Ghana. Strengthening our collaboration with the NHIA is key to ensuring timely availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products to insured patients”.
AREPI President, Mr. Philip Selassie Tagboto
He also raised concerns about the need for a more efficient and transparent claims reimbursement system, as delays in payments can strain pharmaceutical companies’ ability to consistently supply essential medicines.
Dr. Henry K. Acheampong, Head of Policy and Access at AREPI, also shared insights on the role AREPI has played in shaping Ghana’s healthcare landscape over the years.
He highlighted partnerships with successive governments in efforts to expand access to healthcare, support capacity building for healthcare professionals, and contribute to policy development on a range of health issues.
He cited AREPI’s contributions to national policies for childhood cancers, breast cancer, and sickle cell anemia as examples of how the Association’s expertise has been instrumental in health sector progress.
“As a new government takes shape, we are keen on exploring renewed partnerships that will help us align on our shared goals of promoting access to quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians”.
Dr. Henry K. Acheampong, Head of Policy and Access at AREPI
NHIA’s Commitment to UHC
In response, NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe welcomed the visit and praised AREPI’s track record in supporting Ghana’s health system.
He assured the delegation of NHIA’s openness to deepening collaboration with all key stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, in pursuit of universal health coverage.
Dr. Bampoe outlined the Authority’s current focus under President John Mahama’s administration, especially the “Mahama Cares” initiative and the Free Primary Healthcare policy.
These initiatives, he explained, are designed to provide inclusive and equitable access to healthcare through a strengthened NHIS.
“To achieve our goals, we are prioritising improved internal controls, reducing systemic leakages, and ensuring every cedi spent yields maximum value”.
NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe
Dr. Bampoe also disclosed the NHIA’s commitment to dedicating at least 65 per cent of its funding to claims payments this year, signalling a strategic shift toward prioritizing the Authority’s core mandate.
“While administrative infrastructure like management information systems (MIS) is important, our central mission must be the timely and adequate settlement of claims. That is how we sustain confidence and functionality within the health insurance ecosystem.”
NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe
On the longstanding issue of out-of-pocket payments, which continue to undermine public trust in the NHIS, Dr. Bampoe acknowledged the problem and said the NHIA is taking bold steps to address it.
He cited the government’s recent decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy as an important opportunity to improve funding, but stressed the need for efficiency and transparency in managing the resources.
Other key executives of the NHIA also weighed in on the discussions. Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, commended AREPI for its contribution to Ghana’s healthcare development.
He called on the Association to support research efforts, particularly in reviewing medications on the country’s essential medicines list.
He emphasised the need for up-to-date research and data in shaping evidence-based policy decisions.
For her part, Ms. Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri, Deputy Chief Executive for Finance and Investment, lauded AREPI’s proactive stance in maintaining industry standards and welcomed the Association’s willingness to collaborate on broader health financing strategies.
The engagement concluded with both parties expressing optimism about the future of healthcare delivery in Ghana.
AREPI and the NHIA pledged to continue their dialogue and jointly explore new initiatives to improve medicine accessibility, enhance policy coordination, and ultimately deliver better health outcomes for all Ghanaians.
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