The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commissioned a new office for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at Dzolokpuita in Ho West District. This facility is expected to improve the accessibility and efficiency of health insurance services, making it easier for residents to enroll and access healthcare under the scheme.
The ceremony, held on October 3, 2024, was attended by several dignitaries, including the CEO of NHIA, Dr. DaCosta Aboagye; Senior Presidential Advisor, Hon. Elizabeth Ohene; Volta Regional Director of NHIS, Mr. Joseph Homenyo; Ho West District Chief Executive, Hon. Ernest Victor Apau; the Director of Corporate Affairs, NHIS; national and regional NHIS staff; Chiefs; Hon. Assembly Members; the Presidential Candidate for the NPP; heads of departments and staff of the Ho West District Assembly; students, and other stakeholders.
In his address, Dr. DaCosta Aboagye commended efforts to expand healthcare access in the region and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability for all Ghanaians. He highlighted the NHIA’s achievements and reform strategies, which have streamlined its operations. These include the unprecedented payment of claims to health facilities, the use of the Ghana Card as a unique identifier for NHIS members, the expansion of NHIS benefit packages, and the introduction of annual free healthcare checks for NHIS members on their month of birth to encourage citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing health through promotive and preventive approach.
The Volta Regional Director of NHIS, Mr. Joseph Homenyo, emphasized that the operationalization of the new NHIS office would make it easier for residents to access health insurance services. He noted that the Volta Region was adjudged the best-performing region in 2023 in terms of membership. Mr. Homenyo also urged stakeholders to prioritize the maintenance of the new facility.
Hon. Elizabeth Ohene, the Senior Presidential Advisor, stressed the importance of collaboration, noting that working in silos hinders progress and limits the effectiveness of initiatives.
The Ho West District Chief Executive, Hon. Ernest Victor Apau, stated that the establishment of the NHIA office was part of his 15-point vision for the district’s development. He also highlighted several initiatives aligned with this vision, including the “One Paramountcy, One Farm” initiative, efforts to protect Ho West’s water bodies, the self-learning model, the “One Household, One Fruit Tree” initiative, and other infrastructure development projects.
The Chief of Dzolokpuita, Togbe Fiado IV expressed his appreciation to the government for the facility in the district. He added that more people will now have the opportunity to enroll in the NHIS as well as reduce the challenges many face in accessing health care.
Source: ISD, HO WEST DISTRICT
