Ghana NCD Alliance unveils Report on the “Economic Burden of Living with NCDs in Ghana”

Ghana Non-Communicable Disease Alliance (GhNCDA) has launched a pivotal study report on the economic burden faced by people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. The report aims to provide critical data and recommendations to the government to prioritize and invest adequately in the country’s healthcare delivery system.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the National Coordinator of the GhNCDA, Labram Musah highlighted the significant financial burden that patients with NCDs endure when accessing healthcare services.

“Many patients are forced to pay out-of-pocket for essential services, underscoring a substantial financial strain. The study meticulously documents this burden and evaluates the extent to which national health insurance covers NCDs.”

“It also seeks to determine if NCDs are included in the national health insurance benefit package and how effectively they are covered,” he said.

Musah revealed that approximately 80% of NCDs are covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana, however, only a few of these conditions are adequately administered when patients seek care.

As part of the recommendations, he emphasized the need for the government to prioritize public awareness and health promotion and increase investment in the health sector, urging the government to meet the Abuja Declaration of 15% budget allocation to health.

He also called for the uncapping of the national health insurance to boost funding for healthcare and support legislation to reduce the influx of unhealthy commodities like tobacco, alcohol, and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs). As part of the processes to enforce these recommendations, the GhNCDA has launched a manifesto to advocate for the proposed changes.

“This manifesto will be shared with political parties to ensure they incorporate NCD issues into their policies. The goal is to ensure that political parties and future governments prioritize and effectively address NCD issues,” Musah said

Theresa Addo, a Person Living with Diabetes, stated her concerns over the escalating daily expenses required to obtain essential medications as contained in the report and highlighted the frequent need to top up at pharmacies, which adds to the financial strain on patients.

She described the process of obtaining prescriptions as particularly challenging, involving long queues and significant financial burdens.

In her plea to the government, she called for the stabilization of costs for essential medications, particularly insulin, glucometers, and related supplies. She pointed out that many patients, including those with diabetes, hypertension, and those undergoing dialysis, are suffering due to the high costs of necessary medications.

She urged the government to intervene and address the affordability issues, improving access to life-saving medications for all affected individuals.

The launch of this report marks a significant step towards understanding and addressing the economic challenges faced by people living with NCDs in Ghana and driving policy changes that will improve the lives of many Ghanaians.

By Derick Botsyoe and Jeorge Wilson Kingson