The collaboration between the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana marks a significant milestone in advancing healthcare coverage and national identification for the country’s youth.
Through a cooperative agreement, the two authorities have set the stage for a targeted registration drive scheduled to kick off on June 10, 2024.
This initiative specifically aims at registering children aged 6 to 14 years nationwide, with the goal of issuing them with Ghana cards.
These cards will not only grant access to healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but also provide official identification through the NIA.
By equipping young individuals with Ghana cards at an early stage, the initiative spearheaded by NHIA and NIA strives to enhance the youth’s access to crucial healthcare services while simultaneously easing their involvement in various socio-economic activities that mandate official identification.
The collaborative efforts between the two government agencies underscore Ghana’s commitment to streamlining administrative processes and broadening the reach of social services.
The agenda behind this joint registration drive contributes to a more inclusive society by emphasizing the vital role of healthcare access and identity recognition for the Ghanaian youth.
At a second phase training session currently underway at Winneba for staff from the middle and northern belts of the National Health Insurance Authority, representatives from NHIA and NIA highlighted the importance of universal healthcare coverage and the essential role of ensuring every child’s access to fundamental services in Ghana.
The NHIA Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, Mrs Louisa Atta-Agyemang emphasised the significance of this partnership in extending healthcare access and laying a foundation for a more inclusive and empowered community.
Echoing this sentiment, the National Identification Authority Executive Secretary, Dr. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, stressed that Ghana Card’s function as a pivotal instrument for identity verification and access to public services, especially for children in the demographic of 6 to 14 years.
The anticipated joint registration drive, scheduled to commence on June 10, 2024, will establish registration centers in schools nationwide to facilitate the process.
Encouraging active involvement from parents and guardians, the authorities urged them to ensure their children partake in the registration to obtain the crucial Ghana card, securing their pathway to essential healthcare services.
This initiative not only signals a progressive step towards comprehensive healthcare coverage and national identification for Ghana’s youth, but also highlights the government’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and empowered society where every child’s rights and recognition are safeguarded.
By Lydia Adjei-Tutu
