The Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has launched the National Health Insurance Authority's (NHIA) Electronic Health Services Application (NeHSA), Telehealth initiative constructed to enable people use digital tools to access healthcare services remotely. 

The initiative is the collective determination of the NHIA, the Ghana Health Service, the Pharmacy Council and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA). The New Patriotic Party (NPP), Presidential hopeful, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region said the initiative is to match the drone medical delivery service and the E-Pharmacy platform.

“The launch of the Telehealth services is a beacon of the government's commitment to digital transformation in healthcare. This service is not merely an addition to our healthcare system, it is a revolutionary approach that brings medical consultations into the homes and hands of our people."

“Our aim is to create a healthcare system that is not only resilient and sustainable but also inclusive and equitable. A system where technology such as Telehealth and E-Pharmacy are not just tools, but pillars of health service delivery that support our Universal Health Coverage goals."

“Every government health facility across the nation will be connected through this service, ensuring that every citizen irrespective of the geographical location can access quality healthcare,” he stressed.

He disclosed that the NHIA in partnership with the Ghana Health Service and the Pharmacy Council, will soon set up virtual booths and points of care close to every community where vital signs can be accurately captured and assessed. Significant achievements The NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye touted the initiative as a significant milestone in the Authority’s forward march to make the NHIS accessible to all residents in Ghana and those on long visits to the country.

“The Telehealth bridges this gap by providing remote access to essential Out-Patient-Department services, consultations, and healthcare resources, all through a user-friendly digital interface. Whether through text messages (USSD), phone calls, a mobile app, or a web interface, the NeHSA platform offers a suite of functionalities, including chat, audio, and video calls, to facilitate real-time interactions with healthcare providers.”

“This means that patients no longer have to travel long distances to seek medical advice for non-emergency cases. They can simply book an appointment, consult with their doctor, and receive advice, prescriptions, and even referrals all in the comfort of their homes."

Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye proudly mentioned that the NHIS active membership has grown from 10 million in 2016 to 17.8 million people at the end of December 2023, and credited government for releasing funds to Executive Management for Claims payments.

“We have cleared 1.2 billion debt inherited from the previous government. Today with the help of the NPP government we have no Claims backlog to pay.”  

Project overview The Telehealth project Coordinator, a Senior Manager, with the NHIA Management Information System (MIS), Directorate, Mr. Ebenezer Hooper gave an overview of the project and stated, “The Telehealth solution was developed and thoroughly tested for usability, acceptance, and fit-for-purpose.”

“The integrations were completed with NHIA systems, including Credentialing Systems, Membership, Hospital Attendance Authentication, Claims, insurance tariffs and medicine lists. We also integrated with external agency systems like the Pharmacy Council’s National Electronic Pharmacy platform, select diagnostic centers, the Food and Drug Authority’s medicine database, Databases of the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, and the Ghana Nurses and Midwives Council.”

“Additional integrations are planned after the pilot phase, which includes systems within the Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and Private and Faith-based healthcare providers."

Piloting Mr. Ebenezer Hooper said the project is expected to be piloted within six-months and will involve 22 healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra, Volta, Ashanti, Northern, and Western regions. “In addition, 150 CHPS compounds, community pharmacies, over-the-counter medicine-sellers  and wellness centers will serve as Vitals Collection Points for this pilot.”

Source: Vivian Arthur

Photo credit: Isaac Marano Hagan