The Omanhene of Cherepo Traditional Area in the Pru East District of the Bono East Region, Nana Kwadwo Twumasi Ankrah VIII, has initiated free registration for 1,200 persons who are not registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Those whose NHIS cards had expired also had the opportunity to renew them.
The move by the chief is part of his Christmas package for the inhabitants within his jurisdiction and is aimed at enrolling more people in the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them to access healthcare.
Nana Kwadwo Twumasi Ankrah VIII, while speaking to Citi News, said, “With the support of my Tufuhene who is in the United States, Nana Nseremene I, we decided to register people in Cherepo and its environs onto the National Health Insurance Scheme so that they can access healthcare using the card.”
Nana Ankrah VIII disclosed that, “Many are suffering on sickbeds but have no money to pay the hospital bills. With the Health Insurance, it will not cost much for one to access healthcare. Hence, I budgeted about ₵20,000.00 for the exercise, knowing it will support more individuals on the Scheme.”
Nana Ankrah VIII urged people who are in a position to help the poor in society to do so.
The Pru East District Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, Ahmed Tamimu, and most of his staff were actively involved in the exercise.
Mr. Ahmed Tamimu said the Scheme is 20 years since the introduction and because of that, the month of December has been declared an active month by the authority.
“All renewals in this month will not be affected by the one-month waiting period; right from renewal, one can go to the hospital with the Insurance. I want to commend Nana Ankrah for what he has done to get more people onto the scheme.”
Some of the beneficiaries also spoke to the news team.
“We are grateful for what Nana Ankrah has done for us by registering us onto the National Health Insurance Scheme,” Hawa Yakubu disclosed.
Yaw Anane, on his part, said, “My NHIS card was inactive. I heard about what Nana Ankrah was doing, I came here and have been able to renew for my family; my card is now active.”