NHIA Boss charges staff of the authority to handle the equipment, tools with care

National Health Insurance Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Victor Asare Bampoh has called on staff of the authority to demonstrate a high level of diligence, accountability, and professionalism in the management of its resources, stressing that efficient use of assets is key to ensuring equity and improved healthcare service delivery across Ghana.

According to Dr. Bampoh, the NHIA’s mandate goes beyond policy implementation to ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to quality healthcare services. He noted that this objective can only be achieved if staff members take full responsibility for safeguarding the authority’s logistics, infrastructure, and financial resources. Mismanagement or neglect, he cautioned, could undermine efforts to expand healthcare coverage, especially in vulnerable and underserved communities.

He emphasized that the authority is intentionally investing in innovative, sustainable, and context-specific interventions designed to address the unique challenges faced in different parts of the country. “We are not just deploying resources; we are investing in long-term solutions that reflect the realities on the ground and ensure that no community is left behind,” he stated.

Dr. Bampoh made these remarks during a short but significant ceremony to officially hand over four motorized boats to selected hard-to-reach communities located along the Volta Lake. The intervention is expected to significantly improve mobility for NHIA field officers, enabling them to carry out registration, renewal, monitoring, and public education activities more efficiently in remote island and lakeside communities.

Many of these communities face persistent transportation challenges, with access often limited to canoes or irregular boat services, making it difficult for residents to enroll in or renew their health insurance. The introduction of the boats is therefore expected to reduce delays, increase coverage, and enhance the overall effectiveness of NHIA operations in these areas.

Dr. Bampoh further explained that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the NHIA to decentralize its services and bring healthcare administration closer to the people. He indicated that improving last-mile service delivery remains a top priority, particularly in regions where geography continues to hinder access to essential services.

Also addressing the gathering, Nana Ansah Prem IV, who is the Kronti Adontenhene of the Akwamu Traditional Area, welcomed the initiative and described it as timely and impactful. However, he cautioned operators and beneficiary communities to ensure that the boats are used strictly for official purposes. He underscored the importance of proper maintenance, noting that misuse or poor handling could shorten the lifespan of the equipment and deprive communities of its intended benefits.

“The responsibility of maintaining these boats does not lie with the NHIA alone but also with the communities that will benefit from them,” he added, urging a collective sense of ownership.

The Member of Parliament for the Afram Plains constituency, which is among the areas set to benefit directly from the intervention, also commended the NHIA for what he described as a thoughtful and practical initiative. He noted that residents in the Afram Plains, many of whom rely heavily on water transport, often struggle to access government services, including health insurance registration centers.

According to the MP, the boats will not only improve NHIA outreach but also indirectly support healthcare delivery by ensuring that more residents are enrolled onto the scheme and can access medical care without financial hardship.

He further called for continued collaboration between government agencies, traditional authorities, and local communities to sustain such initiatives and maximize their impact.

Overall, the boat distribution initiative highlights the NHIA’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system through inclusive and innovative approaches. By prioritizing hard-to-reach areas and investing in practical solutions, the authority aims to bridge the accessibility gap, improve insurance coverage, and ultimately enhance health outcomes for all citizens.