The Eastern Region is emerging as a national leader in healthcare access under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Authority, with officials reporting significant progress toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2026.
At the Authority’s 2025 annual review meeting held in Kpong, Frank Addo revealed that about 80 percent of the region’s population can now access healthcare without financial barriers. The region currently ranks first nationwide in membership coverage, with 14 out of 20 districts already attaining UHC status.
This progress, however, comes alongside renewed efforts to tackle a persistent challenge—illegal charges imposed on National Health Insurance Scheme cardholders.
According to Mr. Addo, the Authority is intensifying monitoring of health facilities while also improving claims payments and reviewing tariffs to eliminate the conditions that often lead to unauthorized fees.
“We are strengthening oversight to ensure that facilities comply fully with NHIS guidelines, while also addressing systemic issues that contribute to these charges,” he indicated.
The Authority is also expanding enrolment efforts to sustain and deepen coverage. Outreach programmes are being rolled out across market centres, transport hubs, educational institutions, and religious organisations, as well as in prisons and remote communities, targeting vulnerable populations and the uninsured.
Supporting the regional performance, Oti Frempong noted that the Eastern Region contributed five districts to the national top ten in NHIS membership, occupying the first four positions.
The annual review meeting served as a platform for staff to assess performance, identify operational gaps, and outline strategies for the coming year, with a strong focus on sustaining gains and improving service delivery.
With momentum building, the Eastern Region is positioning itself as a model for achieving universal health coverage—balancing expanded access with stricter enforcement to protect patients from exploitation.
