The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for increased investment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly for patients battling lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
Mr. Bagbin emphasised the urgent need to integrate lupus care into the NHIS, noting that many patients face significant financial burdens due to the high cost of treatment.
He made the call during a meeting with the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation to mark World Lupus Day, observed on May 10, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra.
At least five million people worldwide live with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body—from the skin and joints to the heart and kidneys.
World Lupus Day was first observed in 2004, with various events held globally to highlight the significance of the condition.
One of the most notable milestones was the issuance of the inaugural World Lupus Day Proclamation, recognising the day and demonstrating global concern for the needs of millions of individuals affected by lupus.
Mr. Bagbin said that strengthening the NHIS to cover such chronic conditions would alleviate the economic strain on affected individuals and improve access to essential medical care.
Emma Halm Danso, Executive Director of the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation, echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, stating that lupus is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in Ghana.
She pointed out that many patients suffer from misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, leading to severe health complications.
Halm Danso called for the establishment of specialised lupus clinics and increased public education to raise awareness about the disease.
The Foundation also urged the government to include lupus medications under the NHIS, as the current out-of-pocket expenses are prohibitively high for many patients.
The Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation is a duly registered non-profit organisation committed to inspiring hope in people affected directly or indirectly by autoimmune diseases.
“We demonstrate our commitment through advocacy, awareness-raising, education, counselling, and fundraising to provide support services such as medical assistance for people with autoimmune diseases,” she said.
Source: GNA
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