Membership coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Kwabre East has increased to about 77 per cent of the district’s estimated population of 454,000, up from 64 per cent last year.
The improvement was announced by the Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, during the opening of the Authority’s new district office at Kwabre East in the Ashanti Region.
Dr Bampoe said the new office would bring NHIA services closer to residents and improve access to healthcare-related support in the area.
He also highlighted the importance of the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative, which has been rolled out in 135 districts and is expected to achieve nationwide coverage by 2027.
According to him, the initiative is designed to provide preventive, promotive and curative healthcare at the basic level, including services at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics.
He stressed that the programme was intended to ensure that no individual was denied access to healthcare because of financial difficulties.
Dr Bampoe maintained that the initiative was here to stay and would strengthen access to essential healthcare services across the country.
On measures to improve accountability and address fraudulent claims, the NHIA Chief Executive announced plans to roll out the One-Time Access Code (OTAC) system in the region.
He explained that the system would authenticate NHIS members’ attendance at healthcare facilities and improve verification of services provided, helping to prevent fraudulent claims.
Dr Bampoe also warned NHIS-credentialed healthcare facilities against charging members for services covered under the Scheme.
He said facilities found engaging in the practice would face appropriate sanctions, emphasising that members should not be required to make illegal payments for services to which they were entitled.
The Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina Acheampong, welcomed the opening of the new office, describing it as an important milestone for the constituency.
He pledged his continued support for the NHIA and its efforts to improve access to healthcare services.
The ceremony was chaired by Nana Owusu Kwarteng II, Dwumakwafohene, and attended by Nana Barima Saasi Ayeboafo II, Mamponghene; the MP for Kwabre East, Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina Acheampong; the Municipal Chief Executive for Afigya Kwabre South, Hon. Patricia Pearl Ankrah; the NHIA Regional Director, Alhaji Muniru Muntaka; and other dignitaries.
