NHIS office established in Banda for first time since district’s creation

For the first time since Banda District's formation in 2012, residents can now access National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services at a newly established NHIA office in Banda-Ahenkro. The district had previously had to rely on neighboring Wenchi and Nsawkaw for NHIS services, a burden that led some residents to spend over three days or even four hours traveling to register or renew their NHIS cards.

Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, has charged his staff to intensify outreach efforts and aim for an 80% active membership coverage in the district within six months. This initiative aligns with a national directive to reach an 80% active membership threshold across all districts as part of Ghana's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The two-storey office complex, built at a cost funded by the Member of Parliament for Banda and the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, is set to make NHIS registration and renewal services more accessible for residents. Mr Ibrahim also donated a vehicle and two motorbikes to the office to facilitate the NHIS personnel's work, especially in reaching remote areas.

Furthermore, he pledged the allocation of funds towards constructing accommodation for NHIS personnel and other government workers, aiming to attract and retain public servants in the district. Mr Ibrahim urged traditional authorities, residents, and particularly the youth to protect the new facility and support NHIA staff in their endeavors to increase membership and improve health insurance service access across Banda District.