Illegal charges and by health providers are reducing NHIS membership – Bono Regional Manager, NHIS
The Bono Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Isaac Amponsah Badu, has revealed that co-payments and unauthorized charges imposed by healthcare providers represent significant challenges to the authority’s operations.
He stated that these unauthorized charges have been diminishing the membership of the National Health Insurance Scheme in recent times. This decline is attributed to a loss of trust and credibility in the scheme, as cardholders are often required to pay burdensome hospital bills which discourages them from renewing their cards upon expiration, posing a substantial challenge to the scheme’s service provision.
Mr. Isaac Amponsah Badu delivered these remarks during his visit to the Sunyani Manhene at his palace, accompanied by his entourage.
He expressed that, in his capacity as the Regional NHIA Manager, he is exerting considerable effort to advance the Scheme. He highlighted that he encountered ten district offices of the NHIA throughout the Bono Region, noting that Banda and Berekum West lacked an office. Under his leadership, the construction of two offices for Berekum and Banda is being overseen, alongside the renovation of some existing offices to extend the reach of Health Insurance and improve their services.
Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, the Sunyani Manhene, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in providing financial relief to vulnerable individuals during times of illness.
He emphasized the significance of the NHIS, particularly for those residing in rural communities, and urged leadership to uphold its credibility. Furthermore, he advised the manager and staff to conduct their duties with diligence and honesty to ensure the continued progress of the Scheme for the benefit of the region and Ghana at large.
