Speaker of Parliament calls for investment in NHIS to support Lupus patients 

Alban Bagbin is the Speaker of Parliament. He has called for more investment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This investment aims to improve healthcare for patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

Mr. Bagbin stressed the need to include lupus care in the NHIS. Many patients struggle with high treatment costs, causing financial burdens. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation on World Lupus Day, May 10, 2025.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting over five million people worldwide. It can damage various organs, including skin, joints, heart, and kidneys. World Lupus Day began in 2004 to raise awareness about this condition.

The inaugural World Lupus Day Proclamation was issued to highlight its importance. Ghana ratified this proclamation in 2017. Mr. Bagbin believes that strengthening the NHIS will ease economic strain on patients and improve access to care.

Mrs. Emma Halm Danso is the Executive Director of the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation. She supports Mr. Bagbin's views, noting that lupus is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in Ghana. Many patients face misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, leading to serious health issues.

She called for specialized lupus clinics and better public education about the disease. The Foundation also urged the government to cover lupus medications under NHIS due to high out-of-pocket costs for many patients.

The Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to helping those affected by autoimmune diseases. Mrs. Halm Danso stated their commitment includes advocacy, education, counseling, and fundraising for medical assistance among others.