The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is taking its services closer to residents of Keta as part of efforts to expand access to healthcare and encourage more people to enrol in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations of the NHIA, Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, said officials of the Authority would be present at this year’s Hogbetsotso Festival grand durbar to assist residents with membership renewals, updating of contact details and enquiries about the Scheme.
Speaking on a local radio station in Keta, Dr Djokoto stated that the outreach formed part of the NHIS Festive Pulse initiative, which seeks to bring health insurance services closer to communities through traditional festivals and other public gatherings.
He said although the NHIS had significantly improved access to healthcare in Keta and other parts of the Volta Region, there was still the need for intensified public education to encourage residents to enrol and maintain active membership.
Dr Djokoto further announced that the Authority would extend its community engagement activities to Global Church, opposite Keta Senior High School, on Sunday under its Faith and Wellness Drive.
The initiative, which partners with religious institutions, seeks to promote health awareness while making NHIS services more accessible to members of various faith communities.
The Deputy Chief Executive made the remarks after participating in the Hogbetsotso Health Walk, which brought together residents and other stakeholders as part of activities marking this year’s festival.
He commended the organisers and participants for their involvement and urged residents to make their health a priority by adopting healthy lifestyles and taking advantage of available healthcare services.
Touching on youth development, Dr Djokoto urged young people to desist from drug abuse and channel their energies into productive activities that would improve their livelihoods.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of government interventions designed to create opportunities for young people, including programmes under the Youth Employment Agency and the No Fee Stress policy.
On local economic development, he highlighted the Keta Market project, stressing that investments in infrastructure were essential to creating employment opportunities, stimulating business activities and promoting economic growth in the area.
The NHIA has intensified its community outreach activities through traditional festivals, religious gatherings and other public engagements as part of efforts to improve public awareness and access to health insurance services.
The Authority hopes the interventions will encourage more residents to enrol in the NHIS, renew their membership regularly and take advantage of healthcare services available under the Scheme.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
