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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is targeting 20 million new registrants by the end of 2025. This was made known to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, during a courtesy visit on November 5, 2025. He said this while providing an update on the administration of the Insurance scheme. “Everything is running smoothly. Payment is made promptly. By the end of this year, we might register a record 20 million people, but we are confronted with a challenge.” He raised concerns about the issue of co-payment and the imposition of all unauthorised fees on NHIS members as a major setback. “We want to put an end to that, and we seek the prayers of Otumfuo to be able to do that,” he added. The King, in his remarks, challenged the new management and Board to put in place the needed measures to sanitise the system to make the insurance scheme efficient and effective. “Health is key to national development, and that was why the NHIA was established so that citizens can enjoy free health care. I’m glad to hear you now pay promptly. Put in place the needed measures to make it effective.” Otumfuo advised that they engage key stakeholders in the value chain to underscore the need for honesty. “Engage health facilities, pharmacies, and health personnel so that there will be honesty. Cost escalation, inadequate monitoring mechanisms, inadequate client education, and limited community engagement are fueling all these concerns.” The Monarch also counselled them to sensitise the public against out-of-pocket payments at the various accredited health facilities. Story by Hajara Fuseini
