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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commenced
a nationwide training on the application of the Credentialling Electronic
payments system.
The homegrown digital platform enables the credentialing of
healthcare providers, renewal of expired credentials and fees payments.
The Quality Assurance (QA) Directorate is championing the
training, targeting staff and credentialed healthcare providers.
First Batch Trainees
The first batch of trainees from the Ahafo, Bono, Bono East,
Western North, and Ashanti Regions attended the training in Kumasi.
They comprised the NHIA Regional Directors, Regional
Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, Managers, Quality Assurance Managers,
District Public Relations Officers, frontline staff, healthcare providers from
the Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), and
private health facilities.
The participants were taken through the features and
functionalities of the Credentialling E-payments system, including the
Credentialling web Portal, E-payments integration, stages of the E-payments
module, problem solutions, and benefits.
The Principal Manager at Quality Assurance, Mr. Samuel
Augustus Abbey explained that the system aimed to address challenges,
streamline payment processes, and deliver solutions for an efficient healthcare
ecosystem.
He said the Credentialling E-payments system had come to
replace the existing manual credentialling and payment process, where delays
and inefficiencies were prevalent, often resulting in late payments, paperwork
bottlenecks, and increased administrative burdens on healthcare providers.
Highlighting the benefits of the system, Mr. Abbey said it
would ensure faster processing, reduce the burden associated with payments,
provide a clear audit trail, offer round-the-clock accessibility, and
significantly enhance the overall user experience.
He urged participants to adopt the system, ensure accurate
and up-to-date facility and contact details within the portal, and leverage
instant payment notifications to effectively plan and manage their
credentialing timelines.
Bryan K. Danquah, a Software Developer from Super Tech
Limited (STL), an IT company in software development walked the participants
through the test user application, demonstrating registration, claims
submission, and payment processing.
He also trained them on how they could interact with the
system, explore its features, and gain hands-on experience with the
Credentialling E-payments platform.
In his remarks, the Acting Deputy Director of Management
Information System, Mr. Orison Afflu, said the development formed part of
NHIA's broader vision to modernize operations, enhance transparency, and
leverage technology to deliver a seamless experience for all stakeholders.
"By going digital, we are not only improving efficiency
but also strengthening accountability and building a system that is
future-ready," he added.
He urged participants to embrace the new system with
optimism, knowing it would bring the Authority closer to a health system that
is more accessible, transparent, and sustainable.
"I encourage you to engage fully, share your feedback,
and help us refine the system further. Together, as partners, we are shaping a
smarter, more efficient National Health Insurance ecosystem—one that supports
providers while delivering better value to the Ghanaian people," he
stressed.
Subsequent engagements
The session is expected to continue in the Southern and
Northern Zones, where similar training workshops will be organized to ensure
that all stakeholders across the country are equipped with the necessary skills
and knowledge to effectively utilize the Credentialling E-payments system.
This phased approach will enable the NHIA to reach a wider
audience, covering all regions and ensuring a uniform understanding of the
system's functionality. By doing so, the Authority aims to minimize disruptions
and ensure a seamless transition to the new system.
Source: Vivian Arthur
Photo: Samuel Larbi
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