The National Health Insurance Authority Chief Executive, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, on 2 August 2023, inauguated two newly built projects: Western-North Regional and Sefwi Wiawso National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) office complexes, both in the Western-North Region. 

Speaking at the inauguration of the regional office, Dr. Okoe Boye thanked the staff of the NHIS for achieving 80 per cent of their set active membership target.

He encouraged them to go the extra mile to attain 100 per cent of the target in line with the national agenda of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He said the expansion of NHIS infrastructure demonstrated the government's resolve to make the Scheme accessible to all.

The former Ledzokuku MP commended the Regional Coordinating Council and traditional leaders for their continued support in the government's quest to transform the lives of the people.

According to Dr. Okoe Boye, the government's performance in all sectors of the economy, particularly the health sector, is unprecedented.

He encouraged everyone to sign up for the NHIS and gain from the expanded benefit package, which includes the four commonest childhood cancers and the free elderly healthcare care for people, 70 and above.

Regional Minister Joojo Rocky Obeng hailed the 'New NHIS' and underscored the need to sustain it.

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Health under whose watch the NHIS was initiated, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, bemoaned the politicisation of health matters in Ghana, particularly the health insurance scheme.

He lamented the negative impact the capping of  the National Health Insurance Fund is having on the Scheme, pointing out that it was depriving the NHIA of the required funds.

According Dr. Afriyie, the state of healthcare in the country required adequate financing, and insisted that starving the NHIS of adequate funds is inimical to its sustenance.

At a staff get-together, Dr. Okoe-Boye interacted with drivers and district managers of the NHIS and promised to address key issues hindering their operations to enhance service delivery.

He thanked the staff for their dedication to duty and tasked them to remain committed and work hard toward increasing the NHIS' active membership.

It was an opportunity for the frontline staff to meet face-to-face with their Chief Executive, who is concerned about staff welfare.

Dr. Okoe-Boye met the Municipal Chief Executive for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Assembly, Mr Paul Andoh, and also addressed NHIS staff in the district.

The NHIA Chief Executive's visit to the Western-North Region climaxed his working visits to all the 16 regions.