By: Angela Asiedu
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Dacosta Aboagye , has commended the government for its robust policy initiatives aimed at digitalizing the operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Speaking on the Wontumi Radio morning show in Accra, Dr. Aboagye highlighted the positive impact of merging the Ghana Card with the NHIS card, a move he described as a game-changer in the healthcare sector.
Dr.Da-Costa Aboagye
Dr. Aboagye noted that the integration of the Ghana Card with the NHIS card has significantly boosted enrollment, providing access to healthcare services for millions of Ghanaians. “This innovative approach has simplified the process for members, enabling more people to register and renew their NHIS membership conveniently. As a result, we’ve seen a substantial increase in the number of active members, which is a critical step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in Ghana,” he stated.
He further revealed that one of the new reforms being implemented by the NHIA is a policy to add children between the ages of 6 to 14 years onto the NHIS by funding the payment of their Ghana Card. “This initiative will ensure that children within this age bracket can access healthcare services, further advancing our goal of achieving universal health coverage. With the merger of the Ghana Card and the NHIS card, we are well on our way to making healthcare accessible to every Ghanaian,” Dr. Aboagye added.
Dr.Da-Costa Aboagye,CEO,NHIA
In addition to improving healthcare access, Dr. Aboagye emphasized that the digitalization of NHIS operations, coupled with the introduction of the Ghana Card, has played a crucial role in broadening the tax base. “Through this digitalization initiative, many more people have been brought into the tax net, directly contributing to the budget of the NHIS. This has provided the scheme with additional resources to enhance service delivery and ensure the sustainability of healthcare financing in Ghana,” he explained.
Dr. Aboagye also highlighted a key reform in the NHIA’s approach to claims payments, announcing the introduction of automatic price adjustments. “With claims payment, automatic price adjustment will help align payments with inflation, ensuring that health facilities receive realistic tariffs for their services and medicines. This is essential for maintaining the quality and sustainability of healthcare services across the country,” he noted.
The NHIS, established in 2003, is a pioneering social intervention program designed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all residents of Ghana. Over the years, the scheme has undergone several reforms aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability, and coverage. The recent digitalization efforts, including the introduction of electronic claims processing and mobile renewal systems, have transformed the scheme’s operations, making it more responsive to the needs of the population.
Dr. Aboagye also emphasized the importance of these digitalization initiatives in reducing fraud and ensuring timely reimbursement to healthcare providers. He revealed that the NHIA is committed to further enhancing the scheme’s operations through continuous innovation and stakeholder engagement.
“The future of healthcare in Ghana lies in leveraging technology to make services more accessible and efficient. The government’s commitment to digitalization is a testament to its dedication to improving the well-being of all Ghanaians. We are excited about the opportunities this presents for the NHIS and the broader health sector,” Dr. Aboagye added.
He further urged all Ghanaians to take advantage of the merging process by linking their NHIS cards to their Ghana Cards, thereby ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services. Dr. Aboagye assured the public that the NHIA will continue to work tirelessly to expand coverage and improve the quality of care provided under the scheme.
Story by: Angela Asiedu
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