Queen Máxima engages patients on how PharmAccess’ NkwaPlus is changing chronic disease care

Queen Máxima, the Netherlands' Queen, recently met with three patients suffering from chronic diseases at Manna Mission Hospital in Accra to learn about the impact of PharmAccess Ghana's NkwaPlus digital healthcare platform. As the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health, Queen Máxima was keen to explore why these patients were willing to pay for the digital services, despite being covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The gathering included Margaret, Dorinda, and Famos, who are currently being treated at the hospital under a Value-Based Care initiative developed by PharmAccess, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG). Dr. Maxwell Antwi, PharmAccess Foundation's Country Director, moderated the discussion and explained that the platform enables patients to receive medical attention both at the hospital and remotely through the NkwaPlus app.

Patients can monitor their vital signs, such as blood pressure, and share this information with their doctors via the app. This allows for remote monitoring and management of their health, which can occur from any location, including their homes, offices, or markets. Queen Máxima engaged the patients in conversation, asking them about their motivation for joining NkwaPlus, as the digital monitoring service was not yet covered by the NHIS.