The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has commended the government's efforts to digitalise the operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), describing it as transformative for the healthcare sector.

Dr. Aboagye highlighted the success of integrating the Ghanacard with the NHIS card, which he termed a "game-changer."

Dr. Aboagye explained that this merger has greatly simplified the registration and renewal process, leading to a significant increase in NHIS membership.

"The integration of the Ghanacard with the NHIS card has made it easier for millions of Ghanaians to access healthcare services, boosting enrollment and moving us closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage in Ghana," he said.

One key reform the NHIA is rolling out is a policy to enroll children aged 6 to 14 onto the NHIS by covering the cost of their Ghanacrds.

"This initiative ensures that children within this age range can access essential healthcare services, further advancing our goal of Universal Health Coverage,"Dr. Aboagye added.

He emphasised that the merger of the Ghanacard and NHIS card is a critical step in expanding healthcare access nationwide.

In addition to improving healthcare accessibility, Dr. Aboagye noted that the digitalisation of NHIS operations has helped expand the tax base, directly supporting the NHIS budget.

"By bringing more people into the tax net through digitalization, we are able to generate more resources for the scheme, ensuring its sustainability and enhancing service delivery," he explained.

Dr. Aboagye also announced the introduction of automatic price adjustments for claims payments.

This reform will ensure that payments to healthcare facilities remain aligned with inflation, maintaining realistic tariffs for services and medications.

"This is vital for ensuring that healthcare providers receive fair compensation, which is crucial for sustaining quality services across the country," he noted.

Since its establishment in 2003, the NHIS has undergone several reforms to improve efficiency and coverage. Recent digital initiatives, such as electronic claims processing and mobile renewal systems, have revolutionised the scheme, making it more responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.

Dr. Aboagye emphasised that these reforms have also reduced fraud and improved the timeliness of reimbursements to healthcare providers.

"The NHIA is committed to continuous innovation and engagement with stakeholders to further enhance our operations and ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability," he said.

He urged all Ghanaians to link their NHIS cards with their Ghana Cards to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare.

Dr. Aboagye assured the public that the NHIA will continue working to expand coverage and improve the quality of care provided under the NHIS.

"The future of healthcare in Ghana lies in leveraging technology, and the government's commitment to digitalisation is a clear indication of its dedication to improving the well-being of all Ghanaians," Dr. Aboagye concluded

He spoke on Accra-based Wontumi Radio.