The Western North Region has received two newly constructed National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) offices from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye inaugurated the projects comprising the Western North Regional and Sefwi Wiawso NHIS projects on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.During the inauguration of the Western North Regional office, Dr.

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Okoe Boye expressed his gratitude to the NHIS staff in the region for attaining 80% of their set targets for the active membership of the Scheme. <img alt="" class="wp-image-532701"/>He urged them to push further and achieve 100%, aligning with the national objective of Universal Health Coverage. He highlighted that the expansion of NHIS infrastructure reflects the government's commitment to making the Scheme accessible to all.

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&nbsp;The NHIA Chief Executive lauded the support of the Regional Coordinating Council and traditional leaders in the government's efforts to improve people's lives.Dr. Okoe Boye emphasized that the government's performance across various sectors, particularly healthcare, is exceptional.

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 <img alt="" class="wp-image-532702"/>He also encouraged individuals to enroll in the NHIS to benefit from the expanded Benefit Package, which now includes coverage for the four most common childhood cancers and free healthcare for individuals aged 70 and above.Western North Regional Minister, Joojo Rocky Obeng,  praised the "new NHIS" and emphasized the importance of sustaining it.

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<img alt="" class="wp-image-532704"/>On his part, former Minister of Health, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, who was instrumental in the initiation of the NHIS, expressed concern over the politicization of health matters, including the NHIS.&nbsp;He criticized the adverse effects of capping the National Health Insurance Fund, asserting that it hinders the NHIA's necessary funding.&nbsp;Dr.

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Afriyie stressed that the state of healthcare demands adequate financing and criticized the decision to underfund the NHIS as a misguided priority.<img alt="" class="wp-image-532705"/>During a staff gathering, Dr. Okoe Boye engaged with drivers and district managers, promising to address issues affecting their operations to enhance service delivery.

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He acknowledged the staff's dedication to their duties and urged them to remain committed and industrious in increasing the NHIS's active membership.This occasion provided frontline staff with the opportunity to directly interact with their Chief Executive, who is genuinely concerned about their well-being. Dr.

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Okoe Boye also met with Paul Andoh, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Assembly, and addressed NHIS staff in the district.The Chief Executive's visit to the Western North Region marked the conclusion of his working visits to all 16 regions.

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