Accelerating Universal Health Coverage relies on public-private partnerships - asserts PharmAccess Country Director
Strap in, folks! Let's dive into the exciting world of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and discuss ways to get there faster.
Dr. Maxwell Akwasi Antwi, head honcho at PharmAccess Foundation, recently called for a partnership party between the private and public sectors to boost UHC for everyone. At a stakeholder event in Accra, he emphasized that this collaboration would turbocharge our efforts towards UHC.
The event, themed "Supercharging UHC: Private Sector Health Insurance's Magic Touch," was sponsored by Nationwide Medical Insurance and PharmAccess Group. A slew of health industry bigwigs attended, exchanging ideas on how to make UHC a long-lasting dream.
According to Dr. Antwi, the public sector has a strong foundation in health insurance policies, but it ain't gotta go it alone. The private sector can lend a hand – or several – in filling gaps and pushing UHC to the next level.
There are lessons to be learned from both sectors, and Dr. Antwi reckons it's high time for these cats to start chatting, collaborating, and working together on regs, advocacy, and other issues that matter.
"Collaboration is the name of the game," he said, emphasizing the need for stronger ties between the sectors. "Each entity is doing a terrific job in its own corner," he added.
The public sector has made some impressive strides, with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) boasting an impressive 52% of Ghana's population as active members. Dr. Antwi praised the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health, NHIA, and partners in making health insurance simpler and more accessible.
PharmAccess Group is one of the private outfits ready to join forces with the government to bring UHC to the masses.
A panel discussion followed the event, with heavy hitters from industry sharing their takes on how to take healthcare to new heights. Participants discussed problems faced by the industry and proposed solutions to tackle these challenges.
Nancy Naa Ampah, the contact person for Nationwide Medical Insurance, also stressed the importance of private and public sectors banding together to bolster healthcare delivery. She opined that private health insurance has the potential to be the catalyst for achieving UHC by 2030 and suggested that the sector needs to become more daring and inventive in its approach to healthcare financing.
Insider scoop: Enhanced collaboration between the private and public sectors can bring significant benefits:
1. Resources and Investment: By mobilizing financial resources and focusing on cost-effective interventions, the private sector can help close funding gaps in healthcare systems.2. Innovation and Technology: The private sector can introduce advanced technologies and innovative solutions in healthcare, improving quality and accessibility.3. Service Delivery: PPPs can expand coverage to underserved areas, establish new facilities, and provide specialized training for healthcare professionals.4. Regulatory Oversight and Policy Support: The public sector can set standards and ensure policies align with UHC goals through regulatory frameworks and policy dialogue.5. Systemic Strengthening: Collaborative efforts can help strengthen health systems by improving infrastructure, resilience, and sustainability.
So, folks, let's get cracking on this UHC adventure! With the combined might of the private and public sectors, we can put a smile on everyone's dial and launch Ghana towards a healthier, happier future!
- Dr. Maxwell Akwasi Antwi proposes a partnership between the private and public sectors to fast-track Universal Health Coverage (UHC), believing that their collaboration can turbocharge UHC efforts.
- The private sector, like PharmAccess Group, can assist the public sector in filling gaps and pushing UHC towards a higher level by leveraging resources and investments.
- Through collaboration, the private sector can introduce innovative technologies and solutions in healthcare, enhancing quality and accessibility.
- The public sector, via regulatory oversight and policy support, can establish standards and ensure policies align with UHC goals, strengthening the healthcare system.
- Enhanced collaboration can help service delivery expand to underserved areas, establish new facilities, and provide specialized training for healthcare professionals.
- By working together, the private and public sectors can launch Ghana towards a healthier, happier future, progressing towards UHC by 2030, as emphasized by Nancy Naa Ampah from Nationwide Medical Insurance.
