The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), says President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is committed to the integration of mental health coverage into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Benefit Package.

According to Dr. Okoe Boye, plans are far advanced to offset the cost of mental health treatment and make it more affordable for patients.

Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye was addressing the Western North Regional Minister as part of his working visit to that part of the country.

He said there was dramatic improvement in Claims payments to credentialed healthcare service providers for which reason they have no excuse collecting illegal monies (Copayments) from NHIS members at the point of need.

"Presently, we make monthly payments to service providers whose Claims have been vetted and approved. On July 31st, we paid additional Ghs186 million cedis to our hardworking credentialed healthcare providers, reducing the previous piled up debt to just one month."

"As a result of the rapid Claims payments, we launched a platform known as the 'Sunshine policy' to deepen accountability, transparency, and social auditing. Since its launch, suppliers of drugs to healthcare facilities and other stakeholders are able to log onto the NHIS website with privileged access to view payments made to deserving facilities."

The NHIA CEO also spoke about the expansion of the NHIS Benefit Package.

"The Benefit Package has successfully been expanded over the years. We have recently added the Free Elderly Healthcare policy for people 70 years and above, the four commonest childhood cancers and a very expensive drug called Herceptin for breast cancer treatment."

The Western North Regional Minister, Joojo Rocky Obeng, commended Dr. Okoe Boye's administration for transforming the NHIS.

In a related development, Dr. Okoe Boye paid homage to the Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, where he called for collective efforts to sustain the NHIS.

"We have a duty to ensure that the NHIS is enlarged, made robust and sustainable. Everybody should get on board and together we can sustain the NHIS."

Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, praised the NHIA Chief Executive's transformational leadership.

He urged Dr. Okoe Boye's administration to keep doing its best which he noted would not go unnoticed.

The NHIA's ultimate goal is to fully drive the national agenda of attaining Universal Health Coverage by the year 2030.

The Authority has taken initiatives and accomplished same in the light of contributing to the overall growth and development of the Ghanaian economy.