The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has appealed to public relations practitioners to play a more active role in improving public health by promoting credible information and helping to curb the spread of misinformation.
He said communicators have become key partners in influencing public behaviour, particularly at a time when misinformation continues to shape people’s health choices and undermine confidence in healthcare institutions.
At the World PR Day Festival 2026, held under the theme “Reimagining PR,” communication professionals, students and industry leaders examined the evolving role of strategic communication in shaping public policy, strengthening institutions and driving social change.
Dr. Bampoe argued that access to healthcare alone is not enough to improve health outcomes if people lack reliable information to make informed decisions.
“In healthcare, communication can be just as important as medicine itself. It empowers people with the knowledge to make informed health decisions, combats misinformation, encourages preventive care, and builds public confidence in health systems and institutions,” he said.
He explained that the NHIA is increasingly placing emphasis on public education as part of its broader health agenda, noting that the Authority’s “60 Seconds of Wellness” campaign was introduced to encourage simple lifestyle changes and reinforce the importance of preventive healthcare.
Dr. Bampoe also urged the public to take greater responsibility for their health by going for routine medical check-ups, staying physically active, paying attention to mental well-being and maintaining active NHIS membership to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services.
He maintained that closer collaboration between the communications profession and health institutions would strengthen public trust, improve health literacy and contribute to building a healthier and more resilient society.
