|
The
government, on December 2, 2024, handed over forty-four (44) new operational
cars comprising forty-three (43) pick-ups and a coastal bus to the National
Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Executive Management.
The
kind gesture is to help address the Authority’s operational challenges and
increase access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which Benefit
Package has been expanded to cover over 95 percent of disease conditions
recorded in Ghana.
The
Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, at the NHIA Head Office,
symbolically handed over the keys to the NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Da-Costa
Aboagye, for onward distribution to all 16 administrative regions.
She
said the investment formed part of the government's efforts to strengthen the
NHIA to increase its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) mileage by 2030.
"The
donation of these vehicles is a practical demonstration of our commitment to
empowering the NHIA to deliver on its mandate. These vehicles will improve
monitoring, service delivery, and operational efficiency across NHIA offices
nationwide," she added.
Achievements
Madam
Osei-Opare said since 2017, the government has made significant strides in
transforming healthcare delivery by improving financial management, advancing
technology, and implementing targeted healthcare initiatives.
These
initiatives, she said, have led to the inclusion of free dialysis treatment,
the four childhood cancers, family planning services, breast cancer, and the four
mental health disorders in the NHIS Benefit Package.
"The
Authority has also introduced free dialysis treatment, which began on December
1, 2024, with an additional GHC 200 million allocated to healthcare facilities."
Madam
Frema Osei-Opare added that the government has cleared the Claims payments
backlog of 1.2 billion legacy debts inherited from the previous
government.
Technological
Advancements
The
Chief of Staff said the mobile renewal platform and the MyNHIS application have
improved the Scheme’s enrollment and renewal of expired membership cards.
"The
introduction of free healthcare for the elderly, ensuring that senior citizens
receive the care they need without financial barriers, is also an important
development.
There has also been a groundbreaking shift to include preventive
and promotive healthcare in the NHIS benefit package, with the addition of the
annual health check program, further enhancing healthcare delivery," she
added.
“These
initiatives are a testament to the government’s unwavering focus on delivering
quality and accessible healthcare to every Ghanaian, regardless of location or
financial status. The NHIA healthcare is the cornerstone of national
development, and together, we are building a robust system that serves every
Ghanaian with dignity and care."
Commendation
She
commended the NHIA leadership and staff for their tireless efforts in ensuring
the Scheme's success and called for renewed commitment to achieve Universal Health
Coverage (UHC).
The
NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye thanked the government for the
maximum support and urged the district and regional management teams to adhere
to safety precautions to ensure the cars longevity.
Source: Vivian Arthur
|