|
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has registered
over 18.4 million members nationwide as part of efforts to achieve universal
health coverage.
This was revealed during a courtesy visit by a delegation
from the Ministry of Health and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany,
to the Head Office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Accra.
In a presentation, Mr. Collins Akuamoah, Deputy Director of
the Research Unit under the Research, Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation
Directorate, disclosed that as of 2024, the Scheme had enrolled 18.47 million
members. He added that the NHIA is targeting 20 million active members by the
end of 2025.
“Currently, 56.3% of Ghanaians are active members of the
Scheme, which covers about 95% of diseases nationwide,” he stated.
Mr. Akuamoah also highlighted key digital innovations that
have enhanced service delivery, including the USSD shortcode *929#, which
allows members to renew their NHIS cards conveniently, and the MyNHIS App,
which enables new members to register using their Ghana Card from anywhere. He
further noted that 99.9% of claims submission and vetting have been digitised,
improving efficiency and transparency.
Speaking on the Authority’s mandate, Mr. Dickson Nuku Dansu,
Deputy Director for Training and Development under the Human Resource
Directorate, reaffirmed that the NHIS exists to ensure equitable access to
quality healthcare for all residents in Ghana.
On her part, Ms. Cacilia Rentergent, Exchange Partner for
the Health Sector under the partnership between the State of North
Rhine-Westphalia and Ghana, expressed admiration for the Telehealth Innovation,
describing it as a clear demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to healthcare
modernisation.
Ms. Rahilu Haruna, Head of External Resource Mobilisation –
Multilateral at the Ministry of Health, also commended the NHIA for the warm
reception and productive discussions with the visiting delegation.
In closing remarks, Mr. Raymond Avinu, Director of
Administration, who represented the Deputy Chief Executive for Administration
and Human Resources, Mr. Raphael Segkpeb, emphasised that the collaboration
between Ghana and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia marks the start of a
mutually beneficial partnership.
“The relationship between us is just beginning. We are
embarking on a journey of learning from each other, and we thank you for
coming,” Mr. Avinu said.
The visit underscored Ghana’s growing international
cooperation in healthcare and reaffirmed the NHIA’s commitment to expanding
coverage through innovation, technology, and partnerships.
Source: Shaniece Palm
Photo Credit: Sylvester Pappoe & Samuel Larbi
|