The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Bampoe, has urged staff to commit to improving healthcare access and service delivery for all Ghanaians.

Addressing NHIA management and employees during his first official engagement, Dr. Bampoe underscored the urgent need to enhance the effectiveness of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to align with the health priorities of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

"There is an urgent need to uncap the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy to enhance healthcare access and quality of service delivery for all," he emphasized. “And I will need every one of you to be part of this vision."

Dr. Bampoe’s appointment by President John Dramani Mahama marks a new phase for the NHIA. He takes over from Dr. Da Costa Aboagye, who had served in the role since February 2024.

A highly experienced physician and public health specialist, Dr. Bampoe brings a wealth of expertise in global health financing and policy implementation.

A former student of Achimota School, he obtained his medical degree from the University of Ghana Medical School before furthering his studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in the United States, where he earned a Master of Public Health.

His career spans international health institutions, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, where he worked as a Senior Fund Portfolio Manager in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Bampoe also held key roles within the United Nations, serving as the UNAIDS Country Director in Kenya and a UNAIDS Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat.

With his extensive background in public health financing, Dr. Bampoe is expected to spearhead efforts to expand NHIS coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations. He acknowledged that global funding cuts pose a challenge to critical health programmes, such as HIV prevention, but stressed the importance of innovation in resource management.

He also expressed appreciation to his predecessor, Dr. Da Costa Aboagye, for his contributions to the NHIA before embarking on a brief tour of the authority’s facilities.

As he assumes office, expectations are high that Dr. Bampoe’s leadership will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system, ensuring a more sustainable and accessible health insurance framework.