In a move that furthers the government’s digitization agenda championed by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced that the Ghana Card can now be used to access healthcare services at any accredited Health Centre throughout the country.
This initiative marks a significant step towards Dr. Bawumia’s vision of a unified national identity system, eliminating the need for separate NHIS cards.
NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Aboagye Dacosta clarified that under the government’s Digitalisation agenda, the mandate is to have a single card, namely the Ghana card.
Under the Digitalization agenda of the government, we are mandated to have One Card and that’s the Ghana card.
Benefits and Broader Vision
The new system offers a multitude of advantages. Not only will it streamline healthcare access for Ghanaians, but it will also significantly reduce printing costs associated with both NHIS and Ghana cards. Dr. Dacosta elaborated on plans to integrate the NHIS member details with the Ghana Card, creating a single point of access for healthcare services.
This initiative aligns with Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to improve efficiency and transparency within government services.
Focus on Inclusivity and Combating Abuse
Dr. Dacosta also addressed the issue of healthcare access for non-Ghanaians. The NHIA is looking to implement a Mandatory Health Scheme to ensure foreigners have access to health insurance during their stay in Ghana.
Furthermore, Dr. Dacosta emphasized the NHIA’s efforts to combat illegal co-payments charged by some healthcare providers. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to holding such providers accountable, protecting patients from unnecessary financial burdens.
With all these incentives, health providers must not charge our members for services and medicines that the NHIA is paying for.
Looking Forward
The integration of the Ghana Card with the NHIS system signifies a major advancement in Ghana’s healthcare landscape. This initiative, driven by Dr. Bawumia’s vision for digitization, promises to enhance efficiency, promote inclusivity, and ensure Ghanaians receive quality healthcare services throughout the nation.
