The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatuh Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has encouraged students across the Upper East Region to take advantage of the ongoing National Health Insurance registration and renewal exercise to secure access to quality healthcare.
Speaking during the “Kampus Konnect” programme held at the St. John Bosco’s College of Education Auditorium in Navrongo on Friday, May 29, 2026, Madam Bogobiri urged students not only to register and renew their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards but also to encourage their families and communities to do the same.
The programme, which was held under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life,” brought together students from various senior high schools across the region to discuss issues affecting the youth, including substance abuse, healthy living, and access to healthcare.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy NHIA CEO emphasized that good health remains one of the most important foundations for academic success and personal development.
According to her, many people often neglect their health insurance until they face medical emergencies, adding that the NHIS was established to reduce the financial burden associated with healthcare.
She noted that government continues to implement interventions aimed at making healthcare affordable and accessible to ordinary Ghanaians, especially vulnerable groups and young people.
Madam Bogobiri explained that participants at the event were benefiting from NHIS registration and renewal services being carried out at the venue, including waiver exercises for persons living with chronic diseases.
She encouraged students to make full use of the opportunity by registering or renewing their cards immediately instead of waiting until they fall sick.
“Please take advantage of this opportunity to renew your health insurance. If your card has expired, renew it. If you have not registered before, this is the time to do so,” she advised.
She further appealed to students to become advocates of the National Health Insurance Scheme by educating their parents, relatives, and friends on the importance of active health insurance coverage.
“Encourage your family members and everyone around you to take part in the registration exercise because health insurance is very important,” she stated.
Madam Bogobiri also highlighted some of the recent improvements within the NHIS, explaining that certain waiting periods have been waived to enable people to access healthcare more conveniently after registration or renewal.
She noted that despite the payment of premiums by some categories of members, the benefits of the scheme far outweigh the cost, especially during emergencies and unexpected health challenges.
“At the National Health Insurance Authority, we see every day how important good health is. Without good health, everything else becomes difficult. That is why we continue to encourage people to register and keep their insurance active,” she said.
The Deputy CEO also used the opportunity to caution students against drug abuse, stressing that substance abuse could negatively affect their education, health, and future ambitions.
She reminded students that their years in school should serve as a foundation for greatness and not be destroyed by unhealthy choices.
The “Kampus Konnect” programme formed part of broader efforts by stakeholders to engage young people on critical social and health issues while promoting preventive healthcare and responsible lifestyles among students.
Many students who participated in the programme described the interaction as insightful and educational, particularly the discussions surrounding healthcare accessibility and the dangers of substance abuse.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7fm/ Maurice Duncan | Navrongo
