The National Health Insurance Authority has strengthened partnership with the senior national team, Black Stars and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the execution of its preventive healthcare and reduction in non-communicable diseases.

By leveraging on sports and physical activities, the NHIA aims to realise its objective of reducing the cost incurred through treatment of such diseases.

According to the NHIA, the scheme spends an average of 180 million Ghana cedis monthly on certified claims, an amount the scheme targets to reduce through the promotion of preventive healthcare.

Already, the scheme in achieving the set target, is taking steps to ensure registered members embark on an annual free basic medical check-ups to ensure early detection and treatment of life threatening conditions.

Through the partnership formed with the Black Stars, it is believed the involvement of the team will help educate football supporters on healthy lifestyle and the need for physical activities.

Chief Executive Officer for the NHIA, Dr. Dacosta Aboagye said, "our deliberations which centred on strong partnership between the Black Stars and NHIA by leveraging on sports and physical activities will help support preventive healthcare and to reduce non-communicable diseases".

The team visited the office of the insurance provider ahead of the commencement of the World Cup qualifiers.

The captain of the team, Thomas Partey, applauded the transformative agenda of the health insurance provider.

He touched on the free dialysis program introduced by the authority.

"NHIS free dialysis programme will deeply touch the heart of Ghanaians. Many who have their relatives on dialysis can now have some rest knowing the insurance provider is bearing the cost", he emphasised.

On behalf of the NHIA, its CEO assured the football team of their support in the qualifiers to the World Cup.