- Advertisement -
Report by Edward FRIMPONG
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has announced that the Authority has disbursed over GHC 1 billion in claims to hospitals to facilitate their efficient operations. He further revealed that claims dating back to February 2023 have been processed and will be paid soon.
Dr. Okoe Boye made this announcement when he paid a courtesy call to the Upper West Regional Minister, as part of his working visit to the region to assess the effectiveness of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and inspect ongoing construction projects.
Highlighting the Upper West Region’s exemplary health insurance coverage in terms of membership, Dr. Okoe Boye emphasized his commitment to promptly address challenges faced by the NHIA to ensure a speedy resolution.
The CEO expressed his determination to expedite the payment of arrears to come within a three-month timeframe as stipulated by law to enhance operational efficiency. He underscored the NHIA’s dedication to encouraging hospitals to provide the best possible services to clients.
Additionally, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye revealed that the NHIA’s target is to register 20 million people for health insurance as the Scheme reaches its 20th Anniversary. He further indicated that the government is actively expanding the benefit package with it’s coverage of the four childhood cancers, Herceptin for breast cancer treatment, hydroxyurea for sickle cell treatment, with the treatment of mental diseases being considered to be included.
Dr. Okoe Boye affirmed the NHIA’s commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to healthcare. He emphasized that strengthening the Scheme is a top priority for his administration.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, urged the NHIA CEO to address staffing challenges at the health insurance offices in the region. He also appealed for the speedy establishment of NHIA offices in Lambussie and Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) districts.
The Minister called on the NHIA to expedite the completion of ongoing office projects in Lawra and Issa, which are currently 80% complete. These improvements in office accommodation will contribute to enhanced service delivery.
The Regional Minister additionally requested for operational vehicles from the NHIA to facilitate membership-drive efforts in the region.
As the NHIA continues to disburse claims and work towards strengthening the health insurance scheme, these collaborative efforts aim to improve healthcare access and provision in the Upper West Region.
- Advertisement -
