Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, has revealed that as of 2022, the National Health Insurance Scheme had an active membership of 17.2 million.
The current data suggests that about 55 per cent of Ghana’s population have signed up to the NHIS – the highest membership recorded so far.
Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye made the announcement last Friday during a news conference.
According to him, the NHIA has paid more than GH¢471 million to a total of 4,500 credentialed healthcare providers across the country.
The certified health facilities comprise public, private, quasi and faith-based health facilities, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, pharmacies, diagnostic centres and some primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals.
The amount, paid within 45 days from May 24 to July 7, 2023, is said to have covered claims submitted to the authority for periods up to January 2023.
According to Dr. Okoe-Boye, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is dedicated to creating a robust health insurance system that effectively addresses the healthcare needs of the population. Their goal is to ensure that people have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
Dr. Okoe-Boye further explained that the NHIS benefit package covers over 95% of known disease conditions in Ghana. Additionally, he highlighted that a significant majority of individuals visiting public healthcare centers, approximately 80%, present their NHIS membership cards. On average, each visit results in the dispensing of at least three different drugs.
Moreover, the NHIA said to be proactive in expanding its benefit package have included coverage for childhood cancers and drugs for women afflicted by breast cancer, recognizing the importance of addressing these specific healthcare needs.
Currently, the NHIA is working on catering for mental health treatment via the National Health Insurance Scheme.