By Hamdiya Amadu Yakubu/NHIS Ghana
The Government of Ghana through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has launched a Free Annual Health Check (FAHC) initiative as part of the NHIS benefits package for all Ghanaians.
The initiative dubbed FREE ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK UP will be delivered in all hospitals in Ghana or wellness Centers in health facilities
Stakeholders in Ghana’s health ecosystem and development partners converged at the Kempinski Hotel for the ceremony which formed part of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) year-long 20th Anniversary celebrations.
The NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. DaCosta-Aboagye in his welcome address said the launch was a significant milestone and pronounced the inclusion of Promotive and Preventive healthcare into the NHIS Benefit Package for Ghanaians aged 18 years and above. He noted this is a paradigm shift in the healthcare delivery for the past 20 years from curative to preventive healthcare.
This initiative, he said aims to provide free screening for blood sugar tests, blood pressure tests, body mass index (BMI) checks, counselling services and referral services, adding that it focuses on early detection and management of non-communicable and chronic diseases especially hypertension and diabetes.
“The Free Annual Health Check program is the first step strategy for the implementation of a broader Health Preventive and Promotive NHIS Benefit Package. The Free Annual Health Check will provide the opportunity for all Ghanaians 18 years and above irrespective of whether they are enrolled in the NHIS or not to access a defined package of Preventive and Promotive services at any time during their birth month at specified health facilities nationwide.”
In a speech read on her behalf, the second lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia, lauded the program, noting, “This Free Annual Check-Up will help reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, improve overall health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians. This is the way to go, and needs the support of all stakeholders.”
“This Free Annual Health Check-Up will prevent avoidable or premature deaths. ‘Free SHS plus Free Annual Check- up are best government initiatives beneficial to Ghanaians.”
The Special Guest of Honor, the King of the Ga State, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru I, in a speech read by his representative, described the program as a step in the right direction.
He underscored the need for traditional leaders to spread the gospel at public gatherings, and pledged to integrate the program advocacy in activities lined up for the 2024 Homowo festival celebrations.
The Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye in a speech read on his behalf stated, “The Free Annual Health Check will promote wellness through access to defined preventive and promotive services, Improve the early detection, and treatment of hypertension, diabetes and obesity and Increase NHIS enrolment and renewals.”
“This will help promote all health policies in shaping stakeholder decisions aimed at promoting quality healthcare in the country.”
The NHIA Board Chairman, Dr. Ernest Kwarko emphasized the purpose of the Free Annual Health Check-Up, saying, “This is to sensitize and raise awareness among the Ghanaian population about Preventive and Promotive interventions to promote healthy lifestyles and regular screenings, and to drive NHIS membership.”
Other speakers included the Executive Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Kuma Aboagye, the Executive Director CHAG, Dr. Peter Yeboah, the President of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, Dr Andre Kwasi Kumah and the World Bank Representative, Mr. Enoch Oti Agyekum.
In a related development, the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) donated a brand new Toyota Prado to the NHIA, for the Free Annual Check-Up program.
Source: newsthemegh.com