The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched a nationwide initiative to offer free registration and renewal of membership under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in a move aimed at expanding access to healthcare across the country.
Dubbed the ‘STORM’ Initiative, the campaign, which runs from April 15 to May 31, 2026, also removes the one-month waiting period typically required before new members can access healthcare services.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, described the initiative as a landmark intervention in Ghana’s health financing system.
“This is the first time in the history of the NHIS that we are removing both the cost barrier and the waiting period simultaneously,” he stated.
He explained that as part of the rollout, NHIA personnel had been deployed nationwide to register and renew members at public places such as markets, lorry parks, churches, mosques, schools, workplaces and in rural communities.
Dr Bampoe noted that the initiative formed part of broader efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring that all citizens have access to essential health services without financial hardship.
He said the NHIS remained central to achieving this goal, serving as a critical link between citizens and the healthcare system.
“The NHIS is the bridge between a Ghanaian in need and the care they deserve,” he said.
The NHIA boss further linked the initiative to the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, launched on April 15, 2026, by President John Dramani Mahama.
He explained that the programme, which is currently being implemented in 150 underserved districts, provides free access to services such as routine health screening, maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, treatment of common illnesses and health education.
According to him, while access to primary healthcare services requires either a Ghana Card or NHIS card for identification, the NHIS remains essential for referrals to higher levels of care, including district, secondary and tertiary health facilities.
“When a patient requires advanced or specialised care, it is the NHIS that finances that care,” he said.
Dr Bampoe added that the Authority was working closely with community leaders and civil society organisations to enhance public awareness, while also leveraging digital platforms such as the *929# shortcode and the MyNHIS mobile application to facilitate access.
He, however, cautioned that the STORM Initiative was time-bound and urged citizens to maintain active NHIS membership beyond the free registration period.
“An expired card does not protect you. It does not facilitate your referral. It does not activate MahamaCares for you,” he warned.
He also called on the media to intensify public education to ensure maximum participation in the exercise.
“The message is simple: register, renew, and stay covered. This opportunity could save lives,” he said.
The initiative is expected to boost active NHIS membership and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare delivery system by reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving access to quality care nationwide.
