NHIA introduces free annual health check-up initiative

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has introduced a free health screening project through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as part of a national effort to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and chronic disorders.

The "Free Annual Health Checkup" program will offer free health screenings to all people.

Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that the program, titled "Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases and Chronic Diseases in Ghana," focused on the preventive element of health care.

He stated that it would provide thorough annual health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI testing, as well as counseling and referrals as needed.

All NHIS subscribers and Ghana Card holders would be invited to the annual check-up.

“The initiative provides an opportunity for all Ghanaians aged 18 and above, irrespective of NHIS enrolment, to access health care at any credentialed provider nationwide,” Dr Aboagye stated.

The initiative aims to improve healthcare access and promote preventative actions against non-communicable diseases and chronic disorders through early detection. 

NCDs such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and cancer have been recognized as the leading causes of death in the country; a silent killer caused primarily by lifestyle. 

The first phase of the NHIS preventive health project will offer services at authorized public and private health facilities across the country, ensuring access regardless of location or socioeconomic position.

Dr. Aboagye stated during the initiative's launch in Accra last Monday that it demonstrates the government and NHIA's pledges to improving health care access and reducing illness occurrence.

"Our Free Annual Health Checkup programme is designed to prevent severe health conditions, reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life”.

“The initiative aims to increase life expectancy, reduce healthcare costs and accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal Three,” Dr Aboagye said.

The NHIA's CEO emphasized the importance of disease prevention and using the campaign to enhance NHIA membership.

He said it was also consistent with the global shift toward preventative health care, emphasizing the need of early detection and action.

He also praised the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), private health facilities, teaching hospitals, the Society of Private Medical and Dental Health Practitioners, and local leaders.

He also thanked development partners such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their assistance and commitment to enhancing public health in the country.

"The NHIA will collaborate with its partners to ensure that they are adequately prepared to provide this high-quality screening. "This program is not only about testing, but also about educating our population about healthy lifestyles and preventive measures," he explained.

He also announced that a statewide orientation would be conducted to encourage Ghanaians to take advantage of the Free Annual Health Checkup to protect their health and contribute to a healthier, more productive nation.

The Minister of Public Enterprises, Joseph Codjoe who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Vice-President's wife, Samira Bawumia emphasized the importance of the initiative as one of two major policies implemented by the government to improve Ghanaians' lives, along with the Free Senior High School policy.

"Ghanaians are encouraged to utilise the Free Annual Health Checkup for early detection of health issues, enabling better life planning,” the minister said.

Source : Lead News Online