The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Legal Directorate in collaboration with the Training and Development Department has launched a nationwide in-house training program on the legal framework governing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) operations.

The rationale for the training is to create awareness within the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) of the relevant laws that govern the NHIS operations.

It will also provide participants with an understanding of the laws including the principles, concepts, and procedures which are critical for anyone working within the Authority.

The first phase of the training dubbed, “Laws that are relevant to the operations of the NHIS,” kicked off in Accra on January 17, 2024, with staff from the Claims Processing Centre (CPC), in Accra and was chaired by the Ag. Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, Louisa Atta-Agyemang (Mrs.).

The facilitators comprised the Legal Directorate Acting Director, Annette Obenewaa Adutwum (Mrs.), Deputy Director Legal, Mr. George Omaboe, Acting Manager Legal, Mr. Abdul-Mujeeb Issah Kele, Acting Manager Legal, Ms. Amankrah Otabir and a representative of the Right to Information Commission, Amos Anokye-Kusi (Esq).  

The various presentations covered the 1992 constitution, NHIA Act and Legislative Instrument, Conditions of Service, Collective Agreement, Labor Act, Workmen’s Compensation, Factories, Offices and Shops Act, Public Procurement Act, Right to Information Act, Audit Service Act and Internal Audit Agency.

The Ag. Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, Louisa Atta-Agyemang (Mrs.) in her introductory remarks explained that the training sought to advance a community of support and empowerment of NHIA staff.

She commended the planners, saying “It is very important in understanding the legal framework governing the NHIS operations towards achieving the strategic objectives and goals of the organization. Understanding these legal principles will enable you contribute to an all-inclusive and a positive working environment.”

The DCE Operations urged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired in making a positive impact at their offices.

The Lead facilitator, Legal Directorate Acting Director, Annette Obenewaa Adutwum (Mrs.) said conducting legal training for staff was necessary to make them stay updated on laws governing the NHIS operations. 

She highlighted that it was essential for staff to understand the many different legislations that regulate their job descriptions and equip them to understand their rights and responsibilities.She emphasized the urgent need for staff concentration on legal issues that revolve around the NHIS operations.

Acting Director in charge of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Acting Director, Membership and Regional Operations (MRO), Mr. Francis Oti-Frimpong and a Deputy Director, Administration and Human Resources Directorate, Mr. Dickson Dansu-Nuku addressed concerns and questions by the active participants. 

The ongoing in-house training is in line with the human resource development aspect of executive management’s vision of 5Ds@2D, which seeks to empower NHIA staff. 

NHIS@20  

Towards the end of the year 2023, a series of activities commemorating the Scheme’s 20th Anniversary officially commenced nationwide on October 25, 2023. 

The theme, “Health Heroes: 20 Years Strong” served as a reflection of the NHIS significant contribution to providing financial risk protection to against high costs of healthcare services to all residents in Ghana. 

Source: ABDUL KARIM NAATOGMAH