The Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Council and Bono East Regional Member of the Council of State, Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Victor Asare Bampoe, to discuss ways of improving healthcare access and NHIS service delivery in the Pru East area and other riverine communities.
The meeting took place at the NHIA headquarters in Accra and was attended by a delegation that included Pimsan Kojo Borgyese II, Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, Pru East MP, Justice Arthur, Research Assistant to the MP, and Robert Ayeremah-Kagbrese, aide to the Paramount Chief.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Pimsan Kojo Borgyese II congratulated Dr. Bampoe on his appointment and praised the Authority for the progress made under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He particularly highlighted the impact of the NHIS shortcode service, which he said has significantly simplified registration and membership renewal processes, especially for residents in rural communities.
According to him, the improvements have enhanced access to the scheme and increased convenience for subscribers in the Yeji area and beyond.
While acknowledging that some challenges remain, he urged the Authority to sustain the reforms and continue improving service delivery nationwide.
The Member of Parliament for Pru East, Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, outlined several concerns affecting healthcare access and NHIS operations in the constituency and neighbouring communities.
Among the issues raised were the need for improved office facilities for NHIA operations in Yeji and Japekrom, additional personnel, and the provision of vehicles, boats and motorbikes to facilitate outreach activities in hard-to-reach and riverine communities.
The MP also commended the Authority for the nationwide free registration exercise linked to the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative and praised efforts by the NHIA and the Ministry of Health to address challenges associated with the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).
Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Administration and Human Resources, Raphael Segkpeb, assured the delegation that management would carefully consider the requests.
He acknowledged the unique logistical challenges faced by communities in the Yeji, Pru and Salaga areas and indicated that the Authority would explore the possibility of allocating boats to support NHIS outreach services when additional resources become available.
Mr. Segkpeb also disclosed that management was aware of the condition of the NHIA office in Yeji and would continue to advocate for improved infrastructure, subject to budgetary allocations.
He further revealed that the Authority expects to receive additional vehicles and would assess district needs before making allocations.
On staffing concerns, he said management would review opportunities to address human resource gaps, particularly in districts where a single office serves multiple constituencies
In his remarks, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe expressed appreciation to the Paramount Chief and his delegation for their visit and continued support for the Authority.
Describing Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V as a respected traditional leader and distinguished Member of the Council of State, the NHIA Chief Executive reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
He assured the delegation that management would continue exploring ways to support the Yeji area, particularly through the provision of vehicles, boats and motorbikes to strengthen NHIS outreach and expand coverage in difficult-to-reach communities.
