The Membership and Regional Operations Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Sebastian Alagpulinsa, has paid a working visit to Amiah Hospital in Bolgatanga as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery and improve the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Upper East Region.
He was accompanied by the Deputy Director of Management Information Systems (MIS), Samson Anim Ato, and the Upper East Regional Director of the NHIA, Dr. Salifu Kombat.
The visit was aimed at assessing healthcare services being delivered under the NHIS, monitoring operational performance, and engaging the management and staff of Amiah Hospital on claims processing and other key issues affecting the smooth implementation of the scheme.
During an interactive session with hospital management and staff, several operational concerns were raised, particularly network challenges affecting the generation of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) required for claims processing. Staff also highlighted issues relating to claim deductions and sought clarification on aspects of the claims management process.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Alagpulinsa explained the operational procedures of the NHIS claims system and encouraged staff to deepen their understanding of the platform through continuous training. He urged the hospital to take advantage of technical support and capacity-building opportunities available at the Claims Processing Centre (CPC) to enhance efficiency and minimise processing errors.
The Hospital Administrator expressed appreciation to the Membership and Regional Operations Director and his delegation from both the NHIA Head Office and the Upper East Regional Office for the visit. He noted that the engagement demonstrated the Authority’s commitment to supporting healthcare providers and assured the team of the hospital’s continued collaboration in delivering quality healthcare services to NHIS members.
As part of the working visit, Mr. Alagpulinsa and Mr. Anim Ato later held a separate engagement with staff of the NHIA Upper East Regional Office at the Regional Conference Hall.
The meeting created a platform for open discussions on the regional programme of work and the operational challenges confronting staff. Participants raised concerns regarding co-payments and other illegal charges at some healthcare facilities, post-credentialing issues, and medication-related challenges affecting service delivery.
Addressing the staff, Mr. Alagpulinsa emphasised the importance of continuous professional development, urging officers to stay abreast of NHIS policies and operational reforms. He encouraged staff to equip themselves with accurate knowledge to effectively educate stakeholders, monitor healthcare providers, and promptly identify instances of non-compliance within the scheme.
The working visit forms part of the NHIA’s broader commitment to strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers, addressing operational bottlenecks, enhancing claims management, and improving the quality of healthcare services delivered to members of the National Health Insurance Scheme across the country.
*Source:MyBlueWavesonlin.com| Public Relations Manager, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Upper East Region.| Bolgatanga
