The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has inaugurated an office at Banda-Ahenkro, the capital of the Banda District in Ghana's Bono Region. This development aims to bring healthcare services closer to residents who previously had to travel long distances to access National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services. The office was opened by Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, and Member of Parliament for Banda.
Prior to the establishment of the NHIA office, residents of Banda District had to travel to Nsawkaw in the Tain District or Wenchi Municipality to register with the NHIS and renew their membership. This often involved spending more than three days journeying to these locations, highlighting the need for a local office. The construction of the facility was funded through Mr. Ibrahim's share of the MPs' Common Fund, demonstrating his commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in the district.
The NHIA office at Banda-Ahenkro is expected to enhance the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme, which aims to provide accessible healthcare services to residents. Health insurance and primary healthcare services are closely linked, and improving healthcare infrastructure is crucial to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The office will also help address some of the challenges residents encountered in accessing healthcare services.
Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, has urged residents to support the operations of the office to enable it to meet their growing healthcare needs. He also encouraged personnel of the Authority to work diligently towards achieving UHC by ensuring that all eligible residents in the district are enrolled onto the NHIS. The establishment of the office is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The Banda District Chief Executive, Mr. Peter Dongi, has described the establishment of the NHIA office as a major relief to residents, particularly those in island communities. These communities faced persistent difficulties in accessing NHIS services, often spending between three and four hours travelling to Bongase, Nsawkaw, or Wenchi for such services. The office will significantly reduce travel times and improve access to healthcare services.
Nana Pe Aboatia II, Acting President of the Banda Traditional Council, has expressed gratitude to the Government and stakeholders for establishing the NHIA office in the district. The office is an important milestone in the district's efforts to improve quality healthcare delivery. The establishment of the office demonstrates the commitment of stakeholders to addressing the healthcare needs of residents in the Banda District.
The NHIA office at Banda-Ahenkro is expected to improve healthcare services in the district, reducing the burden on residents who previously had to travel long distances to access NHIS services. The office will also enhance the implementation of the FPHC programme, contributing to the achievement of UHC. Key stakeholders have pledged to work together to ensure the success of the office and improve healthcare outcomes for residents.
Key points
- The NHIA office at Banda-Ahenkro was funded through the MP's Common Fund.
- The office will enhance the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare programme.
- The establishment of the office will help address challenges residents faced in accessing healthcare services.
