The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has begun community sensitization on the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) initiative in the Bono Region. The programme, which was inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama, is currently being piloted in 19 districts across the country.
At a community engagement held with the chiefs and people of Benu-Kusuntu in the Sunyani Municipality, the NHIA Regional Public Relations Officer, Clement Osei, explained that the initiative is designed to cover pregnant women, malaria cases, and other basic illnesses that often affect vulnerable groups. He emphasized that health facilities under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) would serve as the foundation for implementing the FPHC.
Mr. Osei noted that the programme also promotes preventive and promotive health care services such as outreach campaigns, health screenings, blood pressure checks, education sessions, and breast cancer examinations. He referenced the World Health Organization’s target that by 2030, everyone around the globe should be able to access health care easily and without stress.
He further explained that while the NHIS already covers about 95% of disease treatments, the remaining 5% will now be channeled into addressing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, asthma, and other chronic illnesses. He also highlighted the Mahama Care component of the scheme, which seeks to integrate NHIS services with other social health interventions.
According to Mr. Osei, the NHIS has simplified access for clients, as renewals can now be done using any mobile phone via the short code *929#, while new registrations can be completed through the “MyNHIS App.” He announced that the Authority will soon embark on instant ID card issuance and stressed that co-payment remains a major challenge hindering equitable health care delivery.
The Sunyani Municipal Manager of the NHIS, Alhaji Abou Seini, added that the Authority’s mandate is to bridge the gap between its offices and rural communities. He said residents, particularly farmers, often have little time to travel to registration centers, so the NHIS must bring its services closer to their doorsteps to encourage renewals and registrations.
The caretaker of the Benu-Kusuntu Health Center, Patricia Nyarko Benso, appealed for support from corporate bodies, philanthropists, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals. She said the facility lacks essential resources such as delivery sets, oxygen, HB machines, refrigerators, beds, gloves, IV sets, and tables. She also called for improved security, noting that the absence of security personnel has left the facility vulnerable at night.
The programme concluded with an open forum, where community members shared their views, suggestions, and challenges with NHIS officials. The Authority assured residents that their concerns would be taken into account in shaping future health interventions.
By: Magyina Kwesi | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
