A delegation from the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) in Nigeria has paid a courtesy call on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) at its Head Office in Accra, following a four-day training programme hosted by the Authority.

The visit was to express appreciation to the NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, and his management team for sharing Ghana’s experience in implementing a national health insurance scheme.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr. Vetty Agala, commended the NHIA for the progress made under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He noted that the delegation had gained valuable insights into the Authority’s operations. Also speaking, the Director General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, praised the NHIA for achieving about 60 per cent coverage, while the Director General of the Katsina State Healthcare Management Agency, Mohammed I. Safana, described Ghana’s health insurance system as commendable and worthy of emulation.

Responding, NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe outlined the Authority’s three-point vision, which focuses on strengthening internal controls and staff welfare, eliminating fraud and illegal payments, and aligning operations with government health priorities.

He added that initiatives such as the Free Primary Healthcare policy and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Care) are aimed at improving productivity through a healthier population and supporting the treatment of chronic illnesses not covered under the NHIS.

The Deputy Chief Executive for Finance and Investments, Ms. Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri, highlighted that the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund has significantly improved the timely payment of claims.

At the end of the visit, the delegation expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to adapt relevant lessons from Ghana’s health insurance system in their respective states.