News:
July 19, 2017
The Minority National Democratic Congress, NDC in Parliament has expressed concern about what it describes as the illegal attempt by government to stamped parliament into approving the proposed formula for the disbursement of the National Health Insurance Fund without a governing board for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
It has therefore called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed formula for the disbursement of the fund which is currently before the lawmakers for approval.
The Minority noted the action by government without the prior approval of the Health Insurance Board clearly violates provisions of the National Health Insurance Act, 2012, Act 852 which requires the board’s approval of the formula before is brought to parliament.
The Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Joseph Yieleh Chireh made these known at a press conference on Tuesday.
Quoting provisions of the Act to buttress his argument, Mr Yieleh Chireh stated that section 42 of Act 852 requires the prior consideration and approval of the NHIA Board before the formula is introduced to parliament for approval.
”In the absence of the Board for the National Health Insurance Authority, approval of the formula will be illegal and against the NHIA Act, 2012, Act 852” he stated.
The Minority has therefore called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed formula which was laid on Tuesday, 20th June 2017 from parliament until a statutory board is constituted for the NHIA to perform its function.
According to Mr Yieleh Chireh the failure of government to constitute a board for the Authority six clear months after assuming office is a mark of incompetence or a lack of urgency.
By Christian Kpesese