There are fears the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) may soon collapse if government does not take immediate measures to fund accredited pharmaceutical facilities to purchase medicines in cash for patients under the scheme.
This comes after pharmaceutical groups threatened to go back to cash and carry system due to worsening economic conditions.
They mentioned payment terms, increasing fuel prices, inflation, high utility bills and reversal of benchmark values as indicators affecting the smooth running of the pharmaceutical business.
The pharmaceutical groups include Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana, (PMAG) and the Pharmaceutical Importers and Wholesalers Association of Ghana, (PIW).
They said developments at the macro-economic level and their impact on their products and services require drastic decisions to save the industry.
The Chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, Harrison Abutiate on News and Current Affiars Programme “Behind the News” said they are at their wits end and need solutions as soon as possible because there is no time.
Mr. Abutiate said the situation will greatly affect those at the community level who depend largely on NHIS for their medicines.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association Dr. Titus Beyuo, is asking government to immediately address the situation and prevent a shutdown of the health system.
According to him, returning to cash and carry system is worrisome.
