The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has introduced a self-registration feature on its newly launched online application portal, in a move to enhance service delivery and streamline the enrollment process,

The ‘My NHIS APP’ is now available for both iPhone and Android users on Apple Store and Google Play Store, aiming to facilitate the enrollment of new members onto the scheme.

The NHIS recognises the significance of adapting to modern technologies to improve accessibility for the public. 

The introduction of the app is designed to discourage long queues at NHIS premises, providing individuals with the convenience of registering from the comfort of their homes using their Ghana card.

This development was announced at the annual workshop organised by the Ahafo Ano North Municipal branch of the NHIS in Tepa. 

The event, attended by heads of government departments, agencies, religious organisations, and non-governmental organisations in the municipality, aimed to sensitise citizens about the scheme’s activities.

Speaking at the event, the Municipal Manager of the Scheme, Mr. Hussain Abubakari, emphasised that the “My NHIS app" goes beyond registration. He highlighted its functionality, stating that the app can generate a card acceptable at all accredited facilities under the NHIS. 

Existing members can utilise the app, alongside the short code *929#, to check their membership status, drug lists, and renew or update their information.

Mr. Abubakari revealed the NHIS's vision to go paperless in the near future, and the introduction of the app aligns with this goal.

He disclosed the NHIS’s ambition to partially sponsor pharmaceutical companies in producing quality yet affordable medicines for the country.

The NHIS currently has a nationwide enrollment of 7.5 million individuals. During the interactive session, participants raised concerns about exceptional treatment for non-scheme members and certain payments made by members for healthcare.

Mr. Abubakari clarified that members are not supposed to make payments for accessing healthcare in accredited facilities, except in exceptional cases where the insurance does not cover certain services. Pregnant women, he added, are exempt from any payments during pregnancy up to the time of delivery, covering both caesarean sections and normal deliveries.

Mr. Abubakari urged the public to use the “My NHIS app” to check drug lists and other benefits, encouraging them to report any illegality to the NHIS for necessary action. 

He emphasised that facilities violating rules have been addressed in the past and encouraged the public to report grievances to nearby district offices for resolution.