The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is demanding a dedicated and sustainable funding mechanism for emergency healthcare to ensure patients receive life-saving treatment without financial barriers.

The Association says hospitals must have an assurance of reimbursement for emergency services to prevent patients in critical condition from being denied or delayed treatment because of their inability to pay.

The proposal forms part of seven system-wide interventions outlined by the GMA to address persistent gaps in emergency healthcare delivery and tackle the No Bed Syndrome.

The General Secretary of the Association, Dr Richard Salomey, speaking to JoyNews at the end of the 68th Annual General Conference, he said government must identify a specific funding source to support the proposed arrangement.

He suggests that portions of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) could be repurposed for the fund, while a percentage of private vehicle insurance premiums could also be allocated towards financing emergency treatment.

Dr Salomey says the arrangement would guarantee hospitals payment for services provided while removing the financial burden from patients requiring urgent medical attention.

“Patients who require emergency care must receive the necessary treatment, with hospitals assured that the fund will reimburse them. This will ensure that patients are not burdened with financial barriers when seeking emergency care,” he explained.

The GMA says it is open to contributing to discussions on the proposed financing arrangements, leaving government to determine the most appropriate mechanism.

The Association believes dedicated funding will strengthen emergency healthcare delivery by ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent patients from accessing timely and appropriate treatment.