The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has asked the government to set up a dedicated emergency healthcare fund that would relieve patients who need urgent treatment but cannot afford to pay right away. The proposal follows the Association’s 68th Annual General Conference, where the GMA’s General Secretary, Dr Richard Salomey, spoke to JoyNews about the need for a reliable financing mechanism.
Dr Salomey said the fund should be financed through a mix of sources, including a portion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) allocation and a percentage of private vehicle insurance premiums. He added that the government must lead the effort to design a sustainable model that would compensate hospitals for emergency services rendered to patients who cannot pay immediately.
The Association argues that financial barriers often delay or prevent patients from receiving timely emergency care, especially in road‑accident cases. A dedicated fund, it says, would allow hospitals to provide urgent treatment without the immediate payment burden falling on patients or their families.
While the GMA is ready to join discussions on the funding structure, eligibility criteria, and accountability mechanisms, it maintains that the government must spearhead the development and implementation of the scheme. The Association also notes that improving emergency care requires more than expanding beds or hiring more staff; a solid financing framework is essential.
Further consultations are expected to determine the exact financing structure, eligibility rules, and administrative arrangements for the proposed fund.
