NHIA Western North launches Free Primary Health Care market storm campaign

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Western North Regional Office has launched its Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) market storm campaign in the Sefwi Akontombra District to educate the public on the implementation of the policy.

The exercise, held on May 15, 2026, brought together health workers, traders, artisans and staff of the Authority. It began with a float through the principal streets of the community to sensitise residents on preventive healthcare and active enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

At a durbar after the float, Western North Regional Director of the NHIA, Mr Frank Duku, expressed appreciation to residents for their participation and commended the government for introducing the Free Primary Health Care policy.

He urged citizens to prioritise regular health check-ups and not wait until they fall ill before seeking medical attention, noting that the policy is intended to strengthen preventive and promotive healthcare delivery.

Regional Operations Manager, Mr Isaac Damptey, encouraged residents to take advantage of the ongoing waiver period, which ends on May 31, 2026, to register or renew their NHIS membership cards. He also assured members of efforts to reduce illegal charges at health facilities and urged continued confidence in the scheme.

Regional MIS Manager, Mr Nicholas Asante, highlighted the One-Time Authentication Code (OTAC) initiative and urged members to update their contact details to improve identification and reduce unwarranted claims payments.

The District Director of Health Services for Sefwi Akontombra, Mr Kunamsi Iddrisu, said nurses and health professionals would conduct home visits for screening under the FPHC policy and encouraged residents to take advantage of the initiative.

Some market women welcomed the initiative, saying it would benefit traders who often struggle to access routine health check-ups due to time constraints.