Thousands of pensioners across Ghana can now access medical consultations and healthcare support from the comfort of their homes following the launch of a nationwide telehealth service by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
The digital healthcare initiative, developed in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and The Trust Hospital, is expected to benefit about 267,000 retirees by eliminating the need for routine visits to health facilities for consultations and medical advice.
Through a dedicated toll-free call centre, pensioners can speak directly with qualified healthcare professionals, receive medical guidance, manage chronic conditions and obtain prescriptions remotely.
The service also enables electronic transmission of prescriptions to approved community pharmacies, allowing beneficiaries to collect medications closer to their homes or access delivery options where available.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, Kwesi Afreh Biney said the programme reflects a broader vision of social protection that extends beyond pension payments to improving the overall well-being of retirees.
According to him, technology is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring that older persons receive timely healthcare without the burden of long-distance travel, transportation costs and extended waiting times.
The Director-General disclosed that the programme had already completed a successful pilot phase and is now operational nationwide. He explained that consultation costs would be covered through the NHIA framework, making consultations free for pensioners, while medication support would be based on medicines covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Pensioners can access the service by calling the toll-free number 0800 877 555, where trained personnel will guide them through registration and verification procedures before connecting them with healthcare providers.
Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Victor Asare Bampoe, described the initiative as a significant step toward modernising healthcare delivery in Ghana. He noted that telehealth is increasingly becoming an important component of healthcare systems globally because it expands access to quality care while reducing geographical and financial barriers.
Meanwhile, Supervising Director of The Trust Hospital, Henry Shirazu Alhassan, assured pensioners that dedicated clinicians and support staff have been trained to provide professional medical consultations and guidance through the platform.
The initiative has also been welcomed by the National Pensioners Association, whose General Secretary, Stephen Boakye, described it as a major breakthrough in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing retirees—access to affordable and convenient healthcare.
The programme is expected to improve healthcare access for older persons while promoting healthy ageing and enhancing the quality of life of pensioners nationwide.
