The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has introduced a free health screening initiative under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and chronic conditions.
Launched on August 1, 2024, the “Free Annual Health Check-up” programme will provide comprehensive health screenings for all citizens. Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, CEO of the NHIA, highlighted that the initiative aims to enhance preventive healthcare by offering annual screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and Body Mass Index (BMI), along with necessary counselling and referrals.
All NHIS subscribers and Ghana Card holders aged 18 and above will be invited to participate in the annual check-up, accessible at any credentialed provider nationwide. Dr. Aboagye emphasized that this initiative is designed to improve healthcare access and promote early detection of NCDs, such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and cancers, which are major causes of mortality in Ghana.
The first phase of the NHIS preventive health initiative will be implemented at designated public and private health facilities across the country, ensuring accessibility regardless of location or socio-economic status.
At the launch event in Accra, Dr. Aboagye reiterated the government and NHIA’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and reducing disease incidence.
“Our Free Annual Health Check-up programme is designed to prevent severe health conditions, reduce healthcare costs, and improve quality of life,” he stated.
The initiative also aims to increase life expectancy, reduce healthcare costs, and accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal Three. Dr. Aboagye stressed the importance of disease prevention and early detection, aligning with the global shift towards preventive healthcare.
The success of the initiative relies on collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), private health facilities, teaching hospitals, the Society of Private Medical and Dental Health Practitioners, and community leaders. Dr. Aboagye also expressed gratitude to development partners like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their support.
“The NHIA will work with its partners to ensure they are well-equipped to deliver high-quality screening. This programme is not just about testing but also about educating our population on healthy lifestyles and preventive measures,” Dr. Aboagye stated.
A nationwide orientation will be conducted to encourage Ghanaians to utilize the Free Annual Health Check-up to safeguard their health and contribute to a healthier and more productive nation.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the wife of the Vice-President, Samira Bawumia, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Joseph Codjoe, highlighted the significance of the initiative as one of the government’s major policies, along with the Free Senior High School policy, to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
“Ghanaians are encouraged to utilize the Free Annual Health Check-up for early detection of health issues, enabling better life planning,” the minister said.
