The Upper East Regional Directorate of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has intensified its public education and sensitization campaign across major markets in the region as part of efforts to promote the government’s Free Primary Health Care Policy and the ongoing waiver period for free NHIS registration and renewal.
The campaign, which is currently taking place across the Eastern, Western and Central zones of the Upper East Region, runs from May 15 to May 31, 2026, and seeks to encourage residents to take advantage of the free registration and renewal exercise before the deadline.
A major highlight of the campaign was the engagement with the Pusiga Paramount Chief, Naba Tambiis-Baaluk-Kunwiak Ibrahim Aguuri I, who welcomed the NHIS delegation and offered his blessings and support for the initiative.
According to officials, the traditional leader commended the Scheme for bringing healthcare enrollment services closer to the people and encouraged the team to continue their outreach activities across communities in the region.
The sensitization campaign is being spearheaded by the Upper East Regional Director of NHIS, Dr. Salifu Kombat, together with the Acting Operations Manager, Mr. Collins Anafure, and the Regional Public Relations Manager, Mr. Alhassan Suwaidu.
Speaking during the engagements, officials emphasized the importance of enrolling onto the NHIS to enable residents to benefit from accessible and affordable healthcare services under the government’s Free Primary Health Care initiative.
One of the major highlights of the campaign was the storming of the Guru Market, where hundreds of traders, shoppers and transport operators gathered to interact with NHIS officials. The atmosphere at the market was energetic and highly engaging, attracting massive crowds who expressed keen interest in the registration and renewal exercise.
Addressing the gathering, Acting Operations Manager Mr. Collins Anafure urged residents not to wait until the last minute before registering or renewing their NHIS cards. He stressed that the waiver period presents a significant opportunity for people, especially vulnerable groups, to access healthcare without financial barriers.
He further encouraged market women, artisans, students and commercial drivers to take the exercise seriously before the May 31, 2026 deadline.
The sensitization campaign also moved to the Bawku Municipality, where NHIS officials embarked on another large-scale market storm aimed at deepening public awareness about the policy.
The Bawku engagement witnessed active participation from market women, students, opinion leaders and other stakeholders, including the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bawku. The interactions focused on educating residents about the benefits of the NHIS and the need for continuous enrollment to improve healthcare delivery in the municipality.
During the visit, Mr. Collins Anafure and his team paid a courtesy call on the Bawku MCE and presented souvenirs to him as a symbol of partnership and collaboration. The MCE, in response, pledged his continuous support and commitment towards the successful implementation of NHIS policies and activities within the municipality.
The campaign further extended to the Zebilla Market, where residents were equally engaged through direct interactions, public announcements and educational sessions on the importance of active NHIS membership.
Officials say the regional market storm initiative forms part of broader efforts by the NHIS to increase active membership, improve healthcare accessibility and ensure that no resident is left behind under the Free Primary Health Care Policy.
The Upper East Regional NHIS Directorate has therefore called on all residents to take advantage of the free registration and renewal waiver before the exercise officially ends on May 31, 2026.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 94.7Fm | Maurice Duncan | Bolgatanga
