The National Health Insurance Authority is set to begin covering treatment for four major mental health conditions under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in what health experts describe as a major step towards improving access to mental healthcare in Ghana.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Eugene K. Dordoye, disclosed that the conditions earmarked for coverage are anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme on Friday, May 22, Dr Dordoye said the policy decision had already been approved by the National Health Insurance Authority, although full implementation was yet to commence because of ongoing technical and administrative adjustments within the healthcare system.

“From this year, the National Health Insurance Authority decided that they will pay for four conditions, which are the big four anyway: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar, and schizophrenia. So, these were the four conditions that they said they will pay for,” he stated.

According to Dr Dordoye, the move represents a major shift in Ghana’s mental healthcare financing structure, as mental health services have historically depended largely on direct government funding rather than insurance-based reimbursement systems.

He explained that the transition to NHIS-supported mental healthcare requires the development of new billing and claims processing mechanisms to enable health facilities to properly submit claims for mental health services.

The Mental Health Authority boss indicated that stakeholders within the sector were currently working to align healthcare facilities with the new operational framework to ensure a smooth rollout of the policy.

Although no official timeline has been announced for the commencement of full implementation, the development is expected to provide financial relief for many patients and families struggling to afford long-term treatment for mental health conditions.

Mental health advocates have for years called for stronger integration of mental healthcare into Ghana’s mainstream health financing system, arguing that the cost of treatment often discourages many people from seeking professional support.

The inclusion of mental health conditions under the NHIS is also expected to improve access to psychiatric consultations, medication and continued care, particularly for vulnerable patients living with chronic mental health disorders.

The latest policy direction comes amid increasing national conversations about mental health awareness, rising psychological stress among young people and the need for expanded mental healthcare services across the country.

Source: graphic.com.gh