The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has stepped up efforts to ensure efficiency, accountability, and improved access to healthcare delivery across the country.

According to the Volta Regional Public Affairs Officer of NHIS, George Selase Tasiame, the scheme was resetting its operations under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, and his management team, with strong backing from government and the National Health Insurance Fund.

Mr Tasiame explained that the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the scheme now conducted unannounced visits to health facilities and district offices to verify operations on the ground.

"Whenever we receive reports from the public or NHIS subscribers, we follow up to investigate. If the concerns are confirmed, remedial actions are taken, including refunding monies illegally collected from clients. In cases where necessary, facilities are sanctioned by the Valuation Unit," he added.

He disclosed that all outstanding claims from January to April had been cleared in August, with June to August claims currently being processed for payment. This, he said, demonstrated that the scheme had the financial backing to sustain operations, stressing that “there is money available to do a lot of things; we are rather waiting for facilities to submit their claims”.

To improve convenience for clients, the NHIS has introduced an auto-renewal system through the short code *929#, which enables subscribers to renew their membership seamlessly via mobile money.

"Clients only need to ensure they have enough funds in their mobile wallets and approve the transaction on time, so their card will be renewed automatically when it is about to expire," Mr Tasiame noted.

On the issue of illegal charges at health facilities, he emphasised that a special Claims and Illegal Payments Taskforce had been established to complement the work of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.

"We are making sure extortion and illegal charges become a thing of the past. Access to healthcare must be smooth and successful for all NHIS members," he noted.

He further underlined government’s planned implementation of the Primary Health Care (PHC) policy in September, noting that the initiative would strengthen the gatekeeper system by empowering lower-level facilities to handle chronic ailments.

"Currently, under the NHIS, facilities prescribe medicines and treatments according to their level. But with PHC, community health compounds, health centres, and clinics will be equipped to handle certain chronic illnesses that were previously referred to higher facilities. This will bring healthcare closer to the people and reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary hospitals," he assured.

Mr Tasiame speaking on Ho 92.5 FM with Togbe Ahorgo I, called on the public to support the scheme by reporting challenges they faced in accessing healthcare.

"The NHIS is under reset. With the new measures being rolled out, we must work together to iron out the challenges and ensure equitable and accessible healthcare for all," he urged.