Active membership of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Dormaa West has surpassed 90 per cent, highlighting the district’s progress in expanding access to health insurance as the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) commissions a new office at Nkrankwanta.
The new facility is expected to improve access to NHIS services, strengthen administrative operations and provide members with a more accessible location to register, renew their membership and resolve insurance-related concerns. Corrections Policy
The commissioning forms part of broader efforts by the NHIA to strengthen its presence across the Bono Region and improve service delivery at the district level.
According to the Bono Regional Coordinating Council, the Authority has commissioned four newly constructed offices across the region as part of efforts to expand access to health insurance services.
The NHIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, used the occasion to commend staff in Dormaa West for their contribution to the implementation of the scheme and urged them to maintain high standards of service.
He encouraged officers to remain responsive to members needs, resolve concerns efficiently and treat everyone who visits the office with dignity, professionalism and empathy.
The new office is intended to bring the Authority’s services closer to residents and provide an improved environment for interactions between NHIA personnel and the public.
New Office to Improve Service Delivery
Before the commissioning, the NHIA had operated in Dormaa West for more than a decade from an Area Council office secured through the efforts of the district’s Member of Parliament, Vincent Oppong Asamoah. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The District Chief Executive, Stephen Azorba Awuni, acknowledged the support that had enabled the Authority to operate in the area and commended the MP for contributing towards the construction of the new facility.
The improved office infrastructure is expected to support the work of district officials as they manage membership registration, renewals, public education and other administrative responsibilities.
For residents, having an accessible NHIA office can make it easier to obtain assistance with membership records and understand the services available under the scheme.
It can also provide a point of contact for people whose membership has expired or who require help navigating NHIS procedures. Editorial Standards
The investment comes as the Authority continues to pursue broader improvements in access to health insurance and the delivery of services to members across Ghana.
NHIA Chief Urges Providers to Protect Members
Dr Bampoe also used the occasion to remind healthcare providers of their responsibility to deliver services covered by the NHIS without imposing unauthorised charges on members.
He warned against illegal fees and co-payments for services covered under the scheme, stressing that members should not be required to make additional payments for benefits to which they are entitled.
The warning forms part of the NHIA’s efforts to improve public confidence in the insurance system and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent enrolled members from accessing covered healthcare.
Illegal charges can undermine the purpose of health insurance, particularly for low-income households that depend on the scheme to reduce the financial burden of medical treatment.
The Authority has therefore urged healthcare providers to comply with NHIS rules while maintaining appropriate standards of care.
Dr Bampoe also encouraged members whose NHIS coverage has become inactive to dial *929# to reactivate their membership. Newscard
He advised members to update their contact details at the nearest NHIA office to help the Authority maintain accurate records and communicate with subscribers more effectively.
MP Calls for Additional Operational Support
During the commissioning, Mr Oppong Asamoah expressed appreciation to the NHIA leadership for supporting the construction of the office.
He also appealed to the Authority to replace the district’s operational vehicle, which he said was more than 10 years old.
According to the MP, a reliable vehicle would improve staff mobility and support public education and membership mobilisation activities, particularly in communities where residents may need assistance accessing NHIS services.
He further disclosed that he had written to the NHIA requesting the establishment of a claims centre in the Bono Region.
Such a facility, he argued, would reduce the need for healthcare providers to travel to the Ashanti Region to process claims.
Improved transport and more accessible claims administration could help district officials and healthcare providers carry out their responsibilities more efficiently.
Sustaining High Membership and Improving Access
The reported membership rate of more than 90 per cent in Dormaa West represents an important milestone in efforts to extend health insurance coverage within the district.
However, maintaining high enrolment requires more than registering residents. Privacy Policy & Terms
Members must also renew their coverage when necessary, understand the benefits available to them and be able to access covered services without facing unauthorised charges.
The new office provides an opportunity for the NHIA to strengthen public engagement, improve administrative support and encourage residents to keep their membership active.
For healthcare providers, efficient claims processing and compliance with the scheme’s rules remain important to sustaining their participation.
As the NHIA expands its infrastructure across the Bono Region, the focus will be on ensuring that the new facilities translate into practical improvements for members and healthcare institutions.
The commissioning of the Nkrankwanta office therefore represents both an investment in the Authority’s operations and an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the NHIS and the communities it serves.
Continued public education, responsive administration and enforcement against illegal charges will be important in ensuring that residents can benefit fully from their health insurance coverage.