The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, on Wednesday commissioned the new Ajumako Enyan Essiam District Office and presented a new operational vehicle to the office to strengthen operations in a move to reach Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
The twin event, held at Ajumako, drew a large gathering, including Nananom- Nana Darko IV (Ankobeahene Breman Essiam) of Ajumako Traditional Area, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Andrews Kojo Doodo, health service providers, NHIA staff, and NHIS card holders.
For years, Scheme staff in the district operated from a small rented office that was not disability-friendly and struggled to accommodate the daily number of clients, particularly during mass mobilization.
Commissioning the new facility, Dr. Bampoe said the infrastructure investment aligns with his three-point agenda for the Authority: to improve staff welfare and internal controls, to restore public confidence and eliminate illegal charges (co-payments), and to align NHIS operations with Government’s flagship health policies.
“This building is more than concrete and roofing sheets. It is a statement that the NHIS is permanent, it is closer to the people, and poised to achieve UHC. When members walk into a dignified office like this, trust is restored,” he said.
The CEO further applauded the President , His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. Casely Ato Forson, and the Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for their commitment and role in enabling the NHIA to make prompt claims reimbursement to service providers.
Vehicle to Drive Enrolment
After unveiling the plaque and cutting the tape at the new office, Dr. Bampoe handed over keys to a brand-new Toyota Hilux pickup to the Central Regional Director and the Ajumako District Manager to support operations.
He explained that the Authority had procured operational vehicles for some districts nationwide to address mobility challenges that had hampered enrollment, monitoring, and client follow-up.
“For a district as large and dispersed as Ajumako Enyan Essiam – from Enyan Denkyira to Breman Essiam and Ajumako Bisease – you cannot do effective mobilization on foot or on motorbike. This vehicle must translate into numbers. It must go into the communities, into the markets, into the schools to register people. To whom much is given, much is expected’, the CEO charged.
He cautioned that the vehicle is strictly for official duties, charging them to ensure its maintenance.
Dr. Bampoe further disclosed that the Authority had introduced a 50% increment in service tariffs as part of efforts in response to providers’ concerns on claims and further cautioned them against illegal charges.
‘We have adjusted our tariffs to a 50% increment as a listening institution, and we do not want you to turn away NHIS members or cause them to pay for services that are covered under the NHIS, the CEO said.
The Ag. Central Regional Director of NHIA, Mr. Kojo Sekyere Koi Thompson expressed appreciation to Management, noting that the new office and vehicle had come at a critical time. He said active membership in Central Region currently stands at about 66% and the region was working to hit 80% by December.
“The vehicle will significantly boost our ability to supervise facilities, conduct monitoring to check illegal charges, and reach hard-to-reach areas. We will put it to good use,” he assured.
The District Chief Executine for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Hon. Andrew Kojo Anderson, commended the NHIA for the gesture and pledged the Assembly’s support to ensure the facilities are well maintained. He went further on to applaud the NHIA citing its improvement in claims reimbursement.
The event saw the attendance of other key personalities of the NHIA in the persons of the Deputy Chief Admin & HR Mr Raphael Segkep, Raymond Avinu, Director Admin, the Director Corporate Affairs, Mr Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Miss Faustina Dery, Head of Communications, Ms. Nina Buabeng-Amoah, Executive Assistant to the CEO. Other key attendees were Louis Lawerteh, Dep Dir Admin and Dr Abena Ekufua Esia-Donkoh, Dep Director, CPC Cape Coast.
The event ended with a dedication prayer for the building and the vehicle by Very Rev. Kwesi Amissah Essel and a tour of the new office complex which has a spacious waiting hall, enrollment cubicles, and a secure data room.
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