The government has expanded the benefits package of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to include four mental health conditions.
These are depression disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder and schizophrenia disorder. Implementation of this significant addition will take effect from November 1, 2024.
In a statement released by Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, Chief Executive of the NHIA, said the coverage included outpatient services and the initial acute hospitalisation stage.
The statement noted that by this initiative, NHIS subscribers could access these essential services from any NHIS accredited facility.
Free
However, it said these services remained free of charge at the country’s specialised mental health care hospitals.
“The addition is to improve access to mental health care, given that the country has only a few specialised mental health hospitals, primarily the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital and the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital. Additionally, some general hospitals have psychiatric units,” the statement said.
The statement indicated that the bold initiative ensured that mental health services, which were critical to the well-being of our population were readily accessible to every Ghanaian.
“It removes financial and geographical barriers, allowing more people to seek the care they need.
It is part of a broader national strategy aimed at addressing mental healthcare gaps and accelerating the delivery of Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” it stated.
Mental health coverage
It added that mental health coverage under NHIS als encouraged early diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues, which could prevent more severe conditions.
“Mental health is not solely about severe conditions such as madness; it also encompasses mild to moderate psychological disorders such as fear, stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and various sleep disorders that can escalate into serious mental illness if early care is not provided,” it indicated.
Stigma
The NHIA boss noted that the stigma surrounding mental illness often deterred individuals from seeking help. “Many with conditions that could lead to serious mental health issues may hesitate to visit specialised hospitals, where care is free, or may find it unaffordable at private facilities, resulting in inadequate care and widening the access gap—an outcome contrary to the principles of UHC,” he added.
The statement said the inclusion of this service in the NHIS benefit package would ensure that such services were mainstreamed within the general healthcare system.
“By integrating mental health care into the NHIS, the government hopes to provide a lifeline for individuals suffering from these conditions, enabling them to access necessary treatments without barriers,” it added.
The statement reaffirmed the NHIA’s commitment to continually improving the NHIS to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population. “The expansion to include mental health services is part of a broader package of recent enhancements to the scheme,” it added.