The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to building a modern, technology-driven, and people-centred National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that delivers accessible and affordable healthcare for all Ghanaians.
Speaking during an X Spaces conversation dubbed “NHIS Unpacked: The Future of Healthcare for Young People,” hosted by popular digital influencers KalyJay and Dr. George, Dr. Bampoe highlighted major reforms, digital innovations, healthcare financing initiatives, and the NHIA’s youth-focused agenda.
A key focus of the discussion was the role of technology in transforming healthcare delivery. Dr. Bampoe noted that NHIA is leveraging digital tools such as the MyNHIS Mobile App, the *929# USSD platform, biometric verification systems, and the One-Time Attendance Code (OTA) to improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and reduce fraud within the Scheme.
According to him, the MyNHIS App allows members to register, renew memberships, locate accredited healthcare facilities and pharmacies, access benefit packages, and manage their NHIS accounts conveniently from their mobile devices.
The CEO also underscored the importance of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, describing it as a “game changer” in Ghana’s healthcare system. He explained that the intervention is designed to promote preventive healthcare and early disease detection, helping to identify conditions such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease before they become severe and expensive to treat.
Dr. Bampoe emphasized that prevention remains one of the most effective ways of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NHIS, noting that early diagnosis saves lives while significantly reducing healthcare costs.
On healthcare financing, he disclosed that the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has strengthened the Scheme’s financial position. He explained that NHIA is now receiving its full allocation of funds and has been able to make timely payments to healthcare providers across the country.
The NHIA CEO further highlighted efforts to improve transparency and accountability through the Authority’s Sunshine Policy, which publicly discloses payments made to credentialed healthcare facilities. He said the initiative allows the public to track provider payments and strengthens confidence in the management of NHIS resources.
Addressing concerns about illegal charges and extortion at some healthcare facilities, Dr. Bampoe disclosed that NHIA has enhanced its digital complaint management systems to enable members to report illegal charges and service delivery challenges through multiple channels, including the MyNHIS App, customer service platforms, and social media.
The discussion also focused heavily on young people and their role in shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Bampoe stressed that young people are not only the future of Ghana but also the foundation upon which the future will be built. He revealed that NHIA has recently intensified investments in youth mentorship and youth-focused engagement programmes to ensure that young people are actively involved in healthcare conversations.
Encouraging young Ghanaians to remain enrolled on the Scheme, he described health as one of the greatest assets an individual can possess and urged students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals to prioritize their health while pursuing their ambitions.
Dr. Bampoe concluded by reiterating his vision of leaving behind a trusted, efficient, youth-friendly, and people-centred NHIA that leverages innovation and technology to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all Ghanaians.
The X Spaces conversation attracted significant participation from young people and members of the public, providing a platform for direct engagement on the future of healthcare, NHIS reforms, and the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen service delivery nationwide.
By Timothy Antwi-Otoo
