The Greater Accra Regional Hospital management has applauded the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for its unprecedented prompt payment regime and well-structured claims processing system.The commendation came during the newly appointed Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe's working visit to Accra Last Friday.It formed part of Dr. Bampoe's broader stakeholder engagement agenda, aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the performance of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Authority's operations.

The visit to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, commonly known as Ridge Hospital, was to obtain their perspective on the effectiveness of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and explore collaborative strategies to enhance its efficiency.The team conferred on identifying measures to strengthen and sustain the NHIS, ultimately working towards fast-tracking the delivery of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Managing Director of Ridge Hospital, Dr. Ralph Armah, expressed his appreciation for the NHIA’s efforts, noting that the Authority was significantly ahead of private health insurance providers in terms of prompt claims payment and engagement. He emphasised the need for the private sector to learn from the NHIA’s approach.“Ridge Hospital operates a corporate and prestige service model, which accommodates private insurance, diplomatic core admissions, and other corporate clients.

However, when we compare these private insurers with NHIA, it is evident that NHIA is miles ahead in terms of payment structure and consistency,” Dr. Armah stated. He highlighted the NHIA’s regular and transparent payment processes, citing instances where the hospital management received timely reports explaining the basis for payments received.

“Unlike private insurers, NHIA provides detailed reports on why specific amounts have been paid, and they frequently engage us in meetings to explain any concerns. This level of transparency and commitment is commendable,” he added.While acknowledging that NHIS, like any other system, had its challenges, Dr. Armah pointed out that the Scheme continues to improve over time.He encouraged the NHIA to remain steadfast in its commitment despite occasional negative reports about the scheme, noting that even developed economies face hurdles with their health insurance systems.

NHIA CEO’s Working VisitDr. Bampoe’s visit to Ridge Hospital is part of a broader initiative to engage key stakeholders in the healthcare sector and gain firsthand insight into the NHIS's operations. His goal is to drive improvements that will enhance the scheme’s effectiveness and ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to Ghanaians.

During the visit, Dr. Bampoe and his delegation were received by Dr. Armah and other senior hospital management members.Accompanying Dr. Bampoe were several high-ranking officials from the NHIA, including Dr. Mrs. Ruby Aileen Mensah Annan, Director of Strategic Health Purchasing; Dr. Abigail Nyarko Cudjoe Derkyi-Kwarteng, Acting Director of Claims; Mr. Francis Oti Frempong, Director of Membership and Regional Operations; Dr. Gustav Cruickshank, Director of Financial Accounting, Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs; and Dr. Yaw Opoku-Boateng, Director of Quality Assurance.

The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss ongoing challenges within the NHIS and explore innovative strategies to address them. Dr. Bampoe reiterated the NHIA’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the Scheme, emphasising the Authority’s dedication to working closely with healthcare providers to improve service delivery.

“We acknowledge the vital role that facilities like Ridge Hospital play in providing quality healthcare to Ghanaians. Our goal is to continue refining our processes, ensuring that providers receive timely payments, and ultimately enhancing the patient experience under the NHIS,” he said.As part of his broader engagement strategy, Dr. Bampoe plans to visit other health facilities to assess the NHIS's operational dynamics and identify areas that require urgent attention.

The NHIA remains committed to improving access to quality healthcare and making significant strides toward achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Ghanaians.

By DOREEN ANDOH

PIX: Ebenezer Danso