Techiman: The government's free primary healthcare programme is being piloted in the Atebubu/Amantin Municipality, Pru, and Sene West Districts of the Bono East Region to provide comprehensive healthcare services to rural dwellers. Mr Kingsford Opoku Gyamfi, Bono East Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), disclosed this at the Authority's Annual Review Meeting in Techiman.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative aims to ensure early diagnosis of diseases, facilitate treatment, and bring healthcare delivery closer to rural communities. Mr Gyamfi explained that the pilot project prioritises conditions such as high blood pressure and glucose-related illnesses, with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) catering to affected persons. The programme also provides upfront payment for NHIS clients to speed up healthcare delivery.
Clients are required to visit service providers with identification such as the Ghana Card and NHIS for treatment. Mr Gyamfi added that the programme is being implemented at Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds, polyclinics, health centres, as well as selected facilities of the Christian Health Association of Ghana.
Some participants lauded the initiative, saying it would significantly improve the quality of life, especially for people in rural communities. Madam Rita Ameyaw, a pensioner, called for stakeholder support to sustain the programme and expand its coverage to more communities in the region.