A cross-section
of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) staff has concluded a
strategic offsite meeting aimed at reviewing and refining the guidelines for
the registration of the poor and vulnerable. The meeting also focused on
developing innovative strategies to enhance the enrolment of vulnerable groups
(indigents) under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The two-day
event, held at the Villadora Resort in Akropong, Eastern Region, on the 23rd
and 24th of January 2025, brought together some technical Directors, Managers,
and other officials from the head office, regions, and districts to deliberate
on improving access to healthcare for underserved communities. Recognizing the
critical role of the NHIS in providing financial protection for the poor and
marginalized, this initiative is part of the Authority’s commitment to ensuring
equitable healthcare coverage for all.
This meeting sets the stage for broader
regional and district stakeholder engagements that will solicit more input to
validate the outcomes reached.
Key
highlights of the meeting included:
Review of
Existing Guidelines: The team evaluated the current registration framework to
identify gaps and inefficiencies in reaching the vulnerable population.
The
discussions on innovative enrolment strategies centered on leveraging
technology, community engagement, and partnerships with local organizations to
boost enrolment among vulnerable groups.
Feedback
Incorporation was critical as insights and feedback from previous
implementations and beneficiaries were reviewed to inform more inclusive and
effective policy adjustments.
The Deputy Chief
Executive of Operations of the NHIA, Mrs. Louisa Atta-Agyemang, emphasized the
Authority’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage. “The NHIA
remains committed to breaking barriers to access and ensuring that the poor and
vulnerable are not left behind in our quest to provide quality and affordable
healthcare to all Ghanaians,” she stated.
The Director
for Membership and Regional Operations, Mr Francis Oti Frempong, who
facilitated the meeting, expressed optimism that the revised guidelines and
strategies will enhance the NHIS’s inclusivity, efficiency, and impact,
particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. Gustav
Cruickshank, Director for Financial Accounting, who doubles as the Chair of a
World Bank Project Committee set up to enhance enrolment in the NHIS, also
expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting. ‘I am delighted at what
we have been able to achieve within these two days, and I hope that we will be
able to put these ideas into action as we work towards achieving Universal
Health Coverage,’ he said.
The meeting
was attended by the Director of Actuarial, Mr Magnus Owusu-Agyemang, the Ag.
Director for Management Information Systems, Mr Daniel Blankson, the Ag.
Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, the Greater Accra
Regional Director, Mr. Bernard Brown, and the Deputy Directors for Membership
and Regional Operations, Mr. Sebastian Alagpulinsa, Mr. Martin Ayesu Nipah and
Ms. Marian Musah. Other staff members participated in the meeting, which will
form the basis.
The NHIA is
committed to working with all stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community
leaders, and development partners, to support these efforts and ensure that no
one is left behind in Ghana's healthcare journey.
Issued by:
Corporate
Affairs Directorate
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