The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has called on stakeholders in Jomoro Municipality, Western Region, to intensify efforts to increase enrolment after confirming that only 49.63 percent of the population is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe said expanding membership could not be left solely to chiefs, the Member of Parliament or the Municipal Assembly. He said the responsibility should be shared by all community stakeholders.
Dr. Bampoe was speaking at the commissioning of the NHIA’s new district office in Jomoro, held in collaboration with the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, and the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Kwasi Amakye III.
The new facility forms part of the NHIA’s effort to extend its services and improve access to health insurance in communities. Dr. Bampoe said its value would ultimately depend on whether it led to higher enrolment, better service quality and greater public confidence in the scheme.
He urged NHIA staff, traditional authorities, the Municipal Assembly and other community representatives to strengthen public education, increase outreach and register more residents.
The chief executive said the office should help widen access to healthcare and protect families from the financial consequences of illness. He stressed that the success of the project would be assessed by its impact on people rather than by the building itself.
> “The true measure of this investment is the number of lives we reach, the families we protect and the confidence we restore in the NHIS,” he said.
Dr. Bampoe also restated the government’s commitment, under President John Dramani Mahama, to improving healthcare access through stronger health financing.
He warned healthcare providers against charging unauthorised fees for services covered by the NHIS. According to Dr. Bampoe, improvements in claims payments and provider tariffs must result in better treatment and service for members.
NHIA employees were instructed to maintain professionalism, accountability and compassion. The chief executive identified membership education, active renewals and efficient service delivery as key priorities.
He further called for regular reports on membership performance to improve accountability and measure progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
The Western Regional Director of the NHIA, Joseph Meneabeh Akpoh, thanked Dorcas Affo-Toffey, traditional authorities and other partners for supporting the project. He also drew attention to staffing and logistical difficulties that required urgent action to improve field operations and service delivery.
Dorcas Affo-Toffey, who is also Deputy Minister of Transport, praised the NHIA leadership for bringing its services closer to people in Jomoro. She encouraged residents to enrol in the NHIS and asked staff to treat members with courtesy, efficiency and professionalism.
Awulae Kwasi Amakye III described the commissioning as a historic milestone and urged traditional leaders to mobilise residents to register and maintain active NHIS membership.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Benedict Boadi, said the office would improve public service delivery and support community education about the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative.
