The Membership and Regional Operations Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), *Mr. Sebastian Alagpulinsa, together with the Deputy Director of Management Information Systems (MIS), *Mr. Samson Anim Ato, undertook a working visit to the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region on June 30, 2026, to inspect the progress of three satellite office projects aimed at expanding access to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services.
The initiative forms part of the NHIA’s commitment to decentralising service delivery by bringing NHIS registration, membership renewal, and other essential services closer to residents, particularly those in remote communities.
The visit began with a courtesy call on the Chief of Chuchuliga at the Chuchuliga Chief’s Palace, where Mr. Alagpulinsa briefed the traditional leader on the progress made towards establishing a satellite office in the community. The discussions focused on the Authority’s efforts to improve access to NHIS services and strengthen collaboration with traditional authorities.
Following the meeting, the delegation inspected the proposed office facility. Mr. Samson Anim Ato, who is supervising the installation of the ICT infrastructure, assessed the readiness of the facility and provided technical guidance to ensure a smooth installation process.
The team later proceeded to Wiaga, where they paid a courtesy call on the Chief to provide updates on the satellite office project. The visit followed earlier engagements held with the community in May this year. The delegation inspected the designated office space and expressed optimism that, once operational, the facility would significantly reduce the burden on residents who currently travel long distances to access NHIS registration and card renewal services.
While in Wiaga, Mr. Alagpulinsa made an unannounced visit to St. Luke’s Catholic Hospital to interact with the hospital’s management and administrative staff. The engagement provided an opportunity for the hospital to outline some of the operational challenges affecting service delivery, particularly issues relating to claims processing, underpayments, and deductions.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Alagpulinsa encouraged the hospital management to submit claims promptly and consistently to enable early detection and correction of any discrepancies before payments are processed. He also advised staff to make effective use of the technical support available at the NHIA Claims Processing Centre (CPC), noting that regular engagement with the Centre would strengthen their understanding of claims management procedures and improve claims accuracy.
The delegation also visited Siniesi to inspect another proposed satellite office. The team expressed satisfaction with the condition of the facility and the progress made towards preparing it for the installation of the required ICT equipment.
The working visit concluded at the Sandema District Hospital, where the delegation held discussions with the hospital’s management on operational issues and the implementation of the NHIS within the district.
During the meeting, the Hospital’s Principal Superintendent and Administrator highlighted challenges relating to claims reimbursements, deductions, and underpayments. Despite these concerns, they acknowledged that claims payments had improved considerably since December 2024, providing much-needed relief to the facility.
Hospital management expressed appreciation to the Executive Management of the National Health Insurance Authority for the significant improvements in claims reimbursements and commended the Authority for its continued commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through effective implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The working visit reflects the NHIA’s ongoing efforts to expand access to healthcare services through the establishment of satellite offices, improve operational efficiency, strengthen collaboration with healthcare providers and traditional authorities, and enhance the quality of services delivered to NHIS members across the Upper East Region.
Source:MyBlueWavesonlin.com | Alhassan Suwaidu, Public Relations Manager, National HealthInsurance Authority (NHIA), Upper East Region.
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