Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has called on traditional leaders to play a crucial role in promoting enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He emphasized the influence traditional rulers have over their people and urged them to support the drive to increase NHIS membership, aiming to register at least 20 million people by the end of 2023.
During his visit to the Upper West Region, Dr. Okoe-Boye highlighted the success of the region in terms of high NHIS enrollment, attributing it to the support and blessings of the chiefs. He emphasized that traditional leaders have the authority to speak to their people, who will listen and take action.
Dr. Okoe-Boye emphasized that no one should have to pay for certain healthcare services in the country, as those expenses should be borne by the government.
He urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the NHIS, highlighting the minimal subscription and annual renewal fees of GH¢8.00 or GH¢28.00, which are much more affordable compared to the cost of obtaining healthcare services without an active NHIS card.
The NHIA CEO also inspected the construction progress of NHIA offices in Issa and Lawra, which are nearing completion. He expressed his desire to commission the offices during the Damba festival in the Upper West Region, signaling the need for timely completion.
During the visit, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, the Paramount Chief of the Wala Traditional Area, commended Dr. Okoe-Boye for his contributions in combating the COVID-19 pandemic during his time as Deputy Minister of Health.
The chief expressed confidence in the CEO's leadership and offered a parcel of land for the construction of a befitting office for the NHIA in the municipality.
In recognition of Dr. Okoe-Boye's dedication to improving the health sector, Wa Naa Pelpuo conferred upon him the honorary title of “Laanfie Naa” (Chief of Health).