What Alternative and Innovative Sources of Healthcare Finance Can be Explored for the Sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme of Ghana? Perspectives of Health Managers

Abstract

BackgroundSustainable healthcare financing is one of the key components for the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) globally. This study explored health managers views on alternative and sustainable healthcare financing sources for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana. MethodsA qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 16 health facility managers were held. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. A written consent was obtained from participants prior to participation in the interview. Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic framework approach. Results All the participants indicated reimbursement of claims to health facilities by the NHIS as the main challenge. They attributed reasons to inadequate provision of funds from Government and the National Health Insurance Authority. Concerns were raised about how the situation affected health managers’ delivery of services to insured clients. Participants suggested exploring of additional funding sources by levying of special taxes on incomes from local natural resources and telecommunication service companies in Ghana to raise additional funds. Conclusion The findings of this study are important to government of Ghana and similar settings in LMICs who are working towards sustainable financing of their UHC system.