Gambia NHIS Understudy Ghana’s NHIA
Two senior staff of Gambia’s Health Insurance Authority have gained comprehensive insights into the rich expertise of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
The Finance Manager, Ms. Isatou Gaye and her colleague, Public Relations and Communication Manager, Ms. Fatim Kah embarked on a two-week study visit to Ghana.
They visited the NHIA Head Office, Greater Accra Regional Office, Accra Claims Processing Centre (CPC), Private Health Insurance Scheme’s Directorate, Ga East, Sowutuom and Dome District Offices.
Ms. Isatou Gaye and Ms. Fatim Kah studied the NHIA’s best practices, focusing on operational efficiency, electronic Claims processing value chain, branding and marketing and Call Centre operations.
Hospitality
The NHIA’s Administration and Human Resources Deputy Chief Executive, Mr. Raphael Segkpeb welcomed the delegation and assured them of maximum support.
He noted that such bilateral relationships are vital for deepening regional integration and cooperation, and he wished the team a successful study tour.
Earlier in the program, the Deputy Director of Training and Development, Mr. Dickson Nuhu Danso, together with the Deputy Director of Provider and Clients Relations, Ms. Hamdiya Amadu Yakubu, provided the Gambian officials with insights into the operations and structures under the Corporate Affairs and Finance Directorates of the Authority.
The Gambia’s NHIA, which was established only three years ago based on Ghana’s model, is seeking to strengthen its operations by drawing lessons from Ghana’s successes and challenges.
Tour
During their visit to the Greater Accra Regional Office, the Acting Regional Manager, Mr. Osman Iddrisu Banpuori, explained that the regional office plays a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the work of district offices and service providers, serving as the link between the national headquarters and the districts.
He mentioned co-payment as one of the pressing challenges facing Ghana’s scheme and cautioned the Gambian team to address such issues early to prevent them from undermining the system.
The delegation also visited the Ayawaso West District office, where they observed the registration process and issuance of NHIS cards to members. This hands-on experience provided them with a clearer understanding of how the scheme operates at the grassroots level.
Impression
Ms Gaye was grateful to the Regional Manager for the guided and was impressed with the digital innovations deployed by Ghana safeguard the integrity of the scheme and its sustainability.
She said believed that the exchange would afford the Gambia the opportunity to avoid pitfalls and strengthen its own system and ensure that its relatively young NHIA develops on a solid foundation.