Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Nabdam MP, has commissioned a District Office of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nangodi to improve access to healthcare for residents.

The new office, a renovated facility at a cost of GH¢92,230.00, comprises four offices, each furnished with furniture and computers.

The facility is expected to bring NHIS registration and renewal services closer to the people of Nabdam, who previously travelled to other districts, including Talensi and Bolgatanga, at considerable cost to enrol on the scheme.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Nawaane, who is also Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, described the project as a major milestone for healthcare delivery in the district and the Upper East Region as a whole.

He said financial constraints, rather than the absence of health facilities, remained the biggest factor limiting the utilisation of healthcare services, particularly among pregnant women and the poor.

“If you see a pregnant woman choosing to give birth at home, the issue is money. If you give her money and transport, she will go to the Hospital. That is why we are here today to solve the problem of healthcare financing,” he said.

The MP announced a GH¢10,000 seed fund to support free registration of the first 500 residents, urging the public to take advantage of the initiative.

“Come and register. We are begging you to come, register, and go to the Hospital. Very soon, when you go to health facilities, you will not pay anything,” he assured.

Mr Jeremiah Awine Abugbire, the Nabdam District NHIS Manager, announced that the office had been fully connected to the national NHIS system, making Nabdam the first district in Ghana to go live in 2026.

He outlined a two-point vision to achieve universal health coverage within two years and to position Nabdam as a model NHIS district nationwide, while appealing for additional staff to prevent operational challenges.

Dr Salifu Kombat, the Upper East Regional Director of the NHIA in a speech delivered on his behalf, described the inauguration as a significant boost to the region’s quest for universal health coverage.

“With this office, we now have ten district NHIS offices in the Upper East Region,” he said, adding that the Nabdam office was expected to improve enrolment and service delivery in the district.

Dr Briamah Naba Abukari, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, said the NHIS office would help improve health-seeking behaviour and reduce preventable deaths, particularly maternal deaths.

He disclosed that the region recorded 60 maternal deaths in 2025, many of which were linked to delays in seeking care and difficulties in accessing health facilities.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nabdam, Mr Francis Yenwona Tobig, assured residents of the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, announcing ongoing and planned projects, including CHPS compounds and maternity blocks at Soliga and Gundorg, among others

Naab Bohagu Samuel Namoog, Chief of Kontintaabig, speaking on behalf of the traditional authorities, welcomed the project.