The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Dacosta Aboagye, says that visitors coming to Ghana should have health insurance.

According to him, it is in the national constitution that non-Ghanaians must have health insurance whenever they visit the country.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, he said, “I have seen a situation when some of my friends have come to this country and they are sick. And they are calling me, 'which facilities should we go?'”

Dr Aboagye stated that once visitors come to Ghana with health insurance, it would provide them with designated facilities for healthcare services if they fall ill during their stay.

According to him, this could generate extra funds for the NHIA and help expand the health coverage provided to everyone in Ghana.

“And you know, the Ghana card will be issued to non-Ghanaians. So once we do that, it is all towards achieving the universal health coverage. For me, it is very good and I think those are the things that we must be focusing on. I am excited that all these things are coming together for the government.”

Moreover, he believes preventive measures, like regular Pap smears and HPV screening, are critical to fighting against cancer, especially breast and cervical cancer.

“I believe that HPV, we must be able to do Pap smear. It must be screened. The Pap smear test we must also consider that. The main thing is we need to start somewhere. Once you start, you will see that, you will now get the clear picture.”

“I will encourage Ghanaians to take physical activity very serious. When you wake up, just do some small exercise. Just be stretching. At least thirty minutes of walk. Go to the gym. Go to Aburi Mountains. Just be walking. Those are the things that we need. Eat good nutrients,” he said.