Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has alleged that the recent shutdown of the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) digital platform — which has forced hospitals across the country to revert to the cash-and-carry system — was an act of blackmail by a private company involved in managing the system.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Scientific Conference of the Medical Superintendents Group in Abetifi-Kwahu, the Minister claimed that a company contracted in 2019 to develop and host the Laboratory and Information Management System (LIMS) had deliberately deactivated parts of the system to pressure the Ministry after officials began investigating financial irregularities in the deal.
According to Mr. Akandoh, the $100 million contract was intended to connect about 950 health facilities nationwide. However, despite paying $70 million, only 450 facilities have been connected so far.
“To tell you the truth, this process was awarded in 2019. About $70 million has been paid, and about 450 facilities have been connected. The contract was such that as you build, it becomes the property of the state. It is not proper for an individual to host the patient’s data in this country,” he emphasized.
The Minister explained that his insistence on ensuring state ownership and protecting patients’ data has angered some parties, leading to attempts to sabotage his efforts.
“If I begin to insist on that, I’m the bad one. So somebody must switch it off and on to blackmail, so that it will be seen that the Minister is not doing well. But I will insist on what is right,” he declared.
The shutdown of the national health information system has caused widespread disruptions across hospitals, with many facilities temporarily reverting to the cash-and-carry mode of operation.
Patients with valid NHIS cards have reportedly been turned away or compelled to pay for medical care due to the system’s inability to verify insurance status.
Mr. Akandoh, however, assured the public that efforts are ongoing to restore the system while investigations into the alleged contractual irregularities continue.
“There is a lot I can tell you, but I will not go into all the details now,” he said, hinting that the Ministry would take firm action once the investigations are completed.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
