The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has pledged to build on the work of his predecessors to push the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to new heights in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking to Staff of the NHIA in Cape Coast last Thursday, during his first regional working visit to the Central Region, he acknowledged the contributions of past CEOs while emphasising his commitment to further strengthening the NHIS.
“Past CEOs have brought us this far despite the challenges, and now, thanks to His Excellency the President, I have been asked to join you to take the NHIA and the Scheme to another level towards achieving UHC,” Dr. Bampoe stated.
His visit to the Central Region was met with great enthusiasm, as NHIA staff warmly welcomed him and actively engaged in discussions about their work, successes, and challenges.
Dr. Bampoe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering UHC.
He said the President, John Dramani Mahama, recognising the critical role of the NHIS in the UHC agenda, has tasked him with enhancing public confidence in the Scheme, among other things.
He said on the back of the NHIS, the government will also implement two critical initiatives- Mahama Care and Free Primary Healthcare initiative.
Accompanying Dr. Bampoe on his visit were key NHIA officials, including Dr. Anthony Gingong (Director, Operations), Dr. Gustav Cruickshank (Director, Financial Accounting), Mr. Francis Oti Frempong (Director, Membership and Regional Operations), and Mr. Raymond Avinu (Director, Administration). Other officials present included Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah (Director, Corporate Affairs), Dr. Abigail Codjoe Derkyi-Kwarteng (Director, Claims), and Ms. Mariam Musah (Deputy Director, Membership and Regional Operations).
Dr. Bampoe’s regional tour is expected to foster greater collaboration between NHIA leadership and staff, ensuring that policy decisions are informed by ground-level realities. His focus on operational efficiency, staff welfare, and stakeholder engagement aligns with the broader goal of making healthcare more accessible and sustainable for all Ghanaians.
As the tour progresses, Dr. Bampoe aims to refine NHIA’s strategies to enhance service delivery, expand NHIS coverage, and ensure that initiatives like Mahama Cares Free Primary Healthcare fulfill their mandate of providing quality healthcare to every Ghanaian, regardless of financial status.
Background
Upon assumption of office, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system through his Mahama Cares initiative and the Free Primary Healthcare policy.
These flagship programs are designed to further remove financial barriers to healthcare and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to essential medical services regardless of their socio-economic status and location.
President Mahama has emphasised that under his administration, every Ghanaian will have access to free primary healthcare at CHPS compounds, health centers, polyclinics, and district hospitals without the need for health insurance cards or out-of-pocket payments.
Mahama Care
To address the financial burden of treating chronic illnesses, ‘Mahama Care’ will establish a dedicated Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund to cover the treatment costs of life-threatening diseases such as kidney failure (dialysis), cancers, sickle cell disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases.
This initiative will ensure that all citizens, especially vulnerable groups, receive life-saving treatment without excessive financial hardship.
President Mahama has also pledged to remove taxes on essential medical supplies, particularly for life-saving treatments like dialysis.
By doing so, his government aims to lower healthcare costs and make critical treatments more accessible to Ghanaians.
President Mahama’s Vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Speaking about his administration’s healthcare agenda, President Mahama said healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege.
“Every Ghanaian, no matter their location or financial situation, deserves access to quality medical care. The NHIS and our Free Primary Healthcare policy will ensure that no one is left behind as we work towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Under his leadership, the government is committed to boosting confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
By implementing these healthcare policies, President Mahama aims to build a robust, inclusive, and accessible healthcare system for all Ghanaians.
