The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has commenced a district-wide registration exercise in Kpandai as part of efforts to operationalise the government’s Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) policy launched recently.
The exercise, which began on April 16, 2026, and is expected to end on May 31, 2026, aims to expand access to essential healthcare services by removing financial barriers, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Speaking to the media, the Kpandai District Manager of NHIS, Biyam Barnabas, stressed that the registration is entirely free, with no hidden charges.
“This initiative is designed to ensure that every resident can access quality primary healthcare without financial difficulty,” he said.
He noted that the exercise is open to all residents, including children, adults, pregnant women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups, and is expected to significantly increase NHIS coverage in the district while promoting early healthcare access.
Mr. Barnabas further described the initiative as a major relief for residents of Kpandai, noting that the district’s porous nature makes the exercise an added incentive for people to enrol and activate their membership under the scheme—a development he said has been widely welcomed.
The Free Primary Health Care initiative is currently being piloted in 150 districts nationwide, including Kpandai. Mr. Barnabas explained that the district, with over 115 communities and a population of about 150,000, has been divided into three operational zones—Eastern Corridor, Central Zone, and Western Corridor—to facilitate a smooth rollout.
He added that the Kpandai NHIS office is targeting about 40,000 new subscribers through the exercise, contributing to its annual enrolment target of 120,000 in line with the national goal of achieving 80 percent universal health coverage.
The registration drive forms a key component of the broader FPHC programme, which prioritises preventive care and equitable access to basic health services.
The policy is designed to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system by ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder timely access to care.
The NHIS, a central pillar of Ghana’s health financing system, has played a significant role in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
However, enrolment gaps—particularly in rural and underserved areas—have limited its full impact.
The ongoing exercise in Kpandai is expected to help close this gap and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.
Mr. Barnabas urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to secure health coverage before the deadline.
Residents are encouraged to visit the NHIS Kpandai District Office or designated community registration centres to enrol.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the NHIS Kpandai Office, Adam Moshie Seidu, indicated that about 400 beneficiaries have already been registered, reflecting a positive community response.
Some residents have welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial, noting that it will reduce the cost of accessing healthcare while enabling them to benefit from the Free Primary Health Care policy.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
