The government has released GH¢443 million to retool selected facilities to implement the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme.  

About GH¢36 million of the amount was released to 107 district health facilities nationwide to support the implementation.   

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, made the announcement in a speech read on his behalf at a FPHC durbar at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District.

The CEO further revealed that out of the amount, the Upper East Region received about GH¢4.2 million for 14 district health facilities and indicated that the funds were paid directly to the facilities as part of efforts to improve efficiency and reduce delays.  

“Funds for Free Primary Health Care are flowing straight to district health facilities. This direct payment model reduces delays and guarantees that resources are available at the point of care for Ghanaians,” he said.   

He disclosed that the largest allocations in the region went to the Bawku West District Health Directorate, which received GH¢514,418.71, and the Bongo District Health Directorate also received GH¢415,393.79.  

He said other beneficiary facilities included the Bawku Municipal, Binduri, Bolgatanga East, Builsa North, Builsa South, Garu, Kassena-Nankana Municipal, Kassena-Nankana West, Nabdam, Pusiga, Talensi and Tempane health directorates.  

On the introduction of a cashless revenue collection system across the NHIA district offices nationwide, Dr Bampoe said members would no longer pay cash at district offices for registration and renewal of their NHIS membership.  

He explained that the reform was intended to strengthen accountability, reduce the risks associated with cash handling and provide a clear audit trail for transactions.  

“This reform will enhance accountability and provide a clear audit trail, reduce the risks associated with cash handling, and support faster reconciliation and reporting,” the CEO said.  

He said the Authority also introduced a One-Time Authentication Code (OTAC) system as part of efforts to validate claims and ensure value for money.  

The CEO explained that under the system, NHIS members who visited health facilities would be required to generate an OTAC on a mobile phone before they receive care.  

“This confirms that the member actually attended the facility and received service,” he said.  

Dr Bampoe said a team from the NHIA was in the Upper East Region to pilot the system.  

He said the various interventions demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system and expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare.  

He assured Ghanaians of the Authority’s continued commitment to strengthening the NHIS and supporting the government’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.   

He noted that the NHIA would continue to operate with financial discipline, accountability and a clear understanding of its responsibility to meet the healthcare needs of Ghanaians.  

The FPHC programme is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve access to essential health services at the community and primary-care level.