The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Upper East Region is targeting 80% population coverage following the launch of the government’s Free Primary Health Care initiative by President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at the regional office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Acting Regional Director Dr. Salifu Kombat said improved stability in parts of the region, coupled with the new policy, provides a strong foundation to expand access to healthcare.
He said the scheme recorded 56% coverage in 2024, attributing the shortfall largely to operational challenges in the region’s Eastern Zone.
“For operational purposes, we divided the region into three zones: Eastern, Central and Western. The Eastern Zone was the most difficult. The disturbances in the area led to movement restrictions, and there was widespread fear. This limited our ability to reach many communities and affected our overall performance,” he said.
Kombat expressed optimism that conditions have improved this year, paving the way for an aggressive push toward the 80% target out of the region’s estimated 1.4 million population.
To support the effort, he said more than 20 new staff and managers have been recruited to strengthen field operations and improve service delivery.
He added that the timely payment and reimbursement of claims to healthcare providers have helped restore public confidence in the scheme.
“Previously, many people were reluctant to renew their cards because they felt they would not receive medication at health facilities. But now, with prompt payments, that perception is changing. If facilities submit claims on time, we also pay on time,” he said.
Kombat said logistical challenges that previously hampered operations have also been addressed, with materials such as biometric registration foils now readily available.
“With the President’s new initiative making registration free, we expect increased enrollment. While primary care is now free at the point of access, referrals for further treatment will still require an active NHIS card,” he said.
He commended Mahama for what he described as a “bold and transformative” policy.
“This initiative will remove financial barriers and significantly expand access to essential health services, particularly for the most vulnerable. As a region, we are committed to ensuring its effective implementation and bringing quality primary healthcare to every community,” he said.
Regional Operations Manager Collins Gado Anafure said achieving universal health coverage will require collaboration beyond the NHIA.
“We are expanding our reach to cover everyone within the region — citizens and non-citizens alike. We are working closely with stakeholders, including the Social Welfare Service, to ensure that the poor and vulnerable are not left behind,” he said.
He added that targeted interventions are being rolled out in schools and underserved communities to close coverage gaps and ensure equitable access.
The NHIA’s Regional Public Relations Officer, Alhassan Abubakari Suwaidu, underscored the need for intensified public education and registration campaigns to boost enrollment.
At the national level, NHIA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe has outlined a three-point strategy to strengthen the scheme, focusing on restoring its core mandate, enhancing transparency and accountability, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The strategy, “Restore, Reform, Sustain”, aims to improve service delivery, eliminate inefficiencies and expand coverage toward universal health coverage.
With renewed policy direction, improved logistics and rising public confidence, the Upper East Region is positioning itself to make significant strides toward accessible and affordable healthcare.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
