The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has launched a free Annual Health Check-Ups (AHC) to tackle the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country.
The AHC, which is for 18 years old and above, registered with the NHIS and with the Ghana Card, is made up of annual blood pressure check, blood sugar check, body mass index check (height & weight) and counselling when needed.
To be able to enrol in this service, eligible beneficiaries will be required to contact the NHIS by dialling a USSD short code (which is to be announced soon) during their birth month, to generate an Access Ticket on their mobile phones.
Addressing the gathering at the launch ceremony in Accra on Monday, 29 July 2024, Dr Ernest K.P. Kwarko, Board Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), emphasised that the free annual health check-up program embodies NHIA’s commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and ensuring that all citizens have access to essential health services.
Dr Kwarko highlighted the increasing global recognition of preventive healthcare’s importance. “Early detection and intervention can prevent serious health conditions, reduce the burden of diseases and improve quality of life,” he noted.
The program, according to him, aims to identify potential health issues at an early stage through comprehensive screenings, including blood pressure management, blood sugar testing, body mass index checks and counselling.
The first phase of the program will be implemented nationwide, providing accessible services at designated public and private health facilities.
Dr Kwarko emphasised that the initiative is open to all citizens covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and anyone with a Ghana card.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to equitable health access,” he said, adding that “this program is not just about testing; it’s about educating our population on healthy lifestyles and preventive measures.”
He urged all citizens to take advantage of the free service, stressing that preventive healthcare is crucial for leading healthier lives.
Dr Kwarko outlined the broader goals of the initiative, including increasing life expectancy and reducing the cost burden of curative healthcare. “Our core drivers currently are hypertension and diabetes. We believe that it is unsustainable going into the future. With this initiative, we will be able to reduce our cost burden on these two diseases,” he said.
He also mentioned future plans for the program, such as introducing additional interventions like Pap smear tests for women.
The NHIA aims to accelerate the achievement of universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on health and wellness.
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Services, who also delivered an address emphasised the significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the Ghanaian population.
“Non-communicable diseases have contributed to more than 40% of all post-mortality cases in Ghana,” he noted.
He also highlighted the alarming increase in cancer cases, with new cases rising from 16,000 in 2016 to 24,000 by 2020.
“Childhood cancer rates”, according to him, are also rising, accounting for around 40% of all cancers, compared to the previous incidence of 1%.”
He stressed the importance of preventive measures, particularly in addressing hypertension and diabetes, which are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in Ghana stressing that, “Since 2017, hypertension has been the third leading cause of post-mortem admissions and a leading cause of death.”
Dr. Aboagye also highlighted the economic burden of NCDs, citing the high costs associated with treating conditions like breast cancer and hypertension.
According to him, the economic value of breast cancer treatment in Ghana is estimated at $20,145 per patient while the lifetime cost of treating hypertension is around $119,000.”
Dr. Aboagye also mentioned the establishment of a geriatric and healthy aging department to cater to the needs of the elderly population.
The Director General acknowledged the financial barriers that often prevent people from accessing healthcare.
He expressed his optimism that the free annual health check-up program would be a game-changer in Ghana’s healthcare landscape, complementing existing service delivery and consumer liberalisation efforts.
