Kassena-Nankana Municipal NHIS embarks on market tour to promote free registration and renewal initiative

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Office in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality has embarked on a market outreach campaign across parts of the municipality and the Kassena-Nankana West District to raise awareness about its free registration and membership renewal exercise for the month of May.

The outreach exercise took officials of the Scheme to the Paga Market on Tuesday, May 19, and the Navrongo Market on Wednesday, May 20, where traders and residents were engaged on the importance of active NHIS membership. During the exercise, expired NHIS cards were renewed, while new registrations were also carried out.

The campaign climaxed at the Navrongo New Market after officials toured major commercial areas within the township. Tents were mounted at the market to provide on-the-spot registration and renewal services to the public.

Speaking in an interview with Mike FM, the Municipal NHIS Manager, Emmanuel Addah, explained that the initiative forms part of a nationwide drive aimed at increasing access to healthcare through active NHIS membership.

“We call this initiative a market storm. From April 15 to May 31, clients can register and renew their NHIS membership free of charge. We decided to visit the markets and position ourselves there to offer these services directly to the people,” he said.

Addah noted that the outreach also served as an opportunity to educate the public on the free primary healthcare initiative launched recently by president John Mahama, which focuses on preventive healthcare services.

“We are also sensitising the public on the need for regular medical check-ups to help improve their health and well-being,” he added.

According to him, the exercise has recorded a positive impact, with many residents taking advantage of the opportunity to renew expired cards and register onto the Scheme.

“The impact has been great. Many customers with expired cards were assisted by our officials to renew them,” he stated.

The Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of the NHIS, Rufina Ankwain, said the Scheme has intensified public education through radio discussions, van announcements, and market outreach programmes to ensure more people become aware of the free registration and renewal exercise.

“Our main focus is to sensitise and educate the public about our services. We realised that many people are not aware of this waiver, so we want them to know that registration and renewal are free throughout this month,” she explained.

She encouraged residents who are not yet enrolled on the Scheme to take advantage of the exercise and secure access to healthcare services.

“The Scheme has come to stay. You may not realise the importance of holding an active NHIS card until you fall sick and visit the hospital and are asked to pay for all services as a non-member. That is when you will appreciate the importance of being a member,” she said.

Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Adapuna David

Maseda Spices