Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has alleged that the recent malfunction 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 — is the result 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 a while ago , the Minister claimed that a company contracted in 2019 to develop and host the Laboratory and Information Management System (LIMS) had intentionally switched off parts of the system to put pressure on the Ministry after officials began probing financial irregularities in the deal.
According to the Minister, the contract, valued at $100 million, was awarded to connect about 950 health facilities nationwide, but 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.
Mr. Akandoh said his insistence on ensuring state ownership and data protection has angered some parties, prompting 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 triggered 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 forced to pay for medical care due to the system’s failure to verify insurance status.
The Minister, however, assured the public that efforts are underway to restore the system while investigations into the alleged contract 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 investigations are completed.
Story by: Kojo Ansah
