The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched the maiden edition of its Campus Connect initiative at Takoradi Technical University (TTU) in the Western Region, as part of efforts to increase access to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services among students in tertiary institutions.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Marketing and Branding Unit under the Corporate Affairs Directorate, is designed to raise awareness of the NHIS, deepen engagement with young people, and bring registration and renewal services directly onto university campuses.

The launch formed part of TTU’s Akwaaba Week celebrations and included a courtesy call on the university’s management, an interactive engagement with students, and the setting up of an NHIS registration desk to enable on-the-spot registration and renewal of NHIS cards.

Welcoming the NHIA delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, highlighted the critical role of health insurance in safeguarding students’ welfare, especially when financial challenges hinder access to healthcare.

“Health financing is very important. There are times students fall sick but do not have the money to visit a health facility. I therefore encourage students to take the Campus Connect initiative seriously by registering and renewing their NHIS cards,” he said.

Speaking to students during the engagement session, the Deputy Director for Marketing and Branding at NHIA, Joyce Angela Asiedu (Esq.), said the Campus Connect initiative demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to making NHIS services more accessible and relevant to the youth.

She explained that the programme, which has the endorsement of the NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, aims to ensure students can focus on their academic work without the added pressure of healthcare costs.

Ms. Asiedu also reminded students that the NHIS is intended to protect individuals and families from the financial risks associated with illness, and urged them to report any illegal charges for services fully covered under the Scheme through the appropriate NHIA channels.

During a presentation, the Western Regional Public Relations Manager of NHIA, Raymond Awiah, disclosed that the Scheme is expected to implement a 120 per cent increase in tariffs this year, a move aimed at improving provider reimbursement and reducing the incidence of illegal charges at accredited health facilities.

The NHIA says the Campus Connect initiative will be extended to other tertiary institutions across the country as part of a broader strategy to boost NHIS enrolment, improve service delivery, and strengthen engagement with young people nationwide.