Upper East Tour: About 17m Ghanaians accessed healthcare through NHIS since 2025 – Anatu Seidu Bogobiri Esq

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Madam Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq, has disclosed that an estimated 17 million Ghanaians have accessed healthcare through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) since last year.

Speaking at the Free Primary Health Care Durbar at the Zuarungu Health Centre in the Upper East Region on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Tour, Mad. Bogobirir said active NHIS membership had also recorded significant growth.

According to her, active membership increased from 54% at the end of 2024 to 66% at the end of 2025 and reached 76% nationally as of June 2026.

The Upper East Region recorded an active membership rate of 67% as of June 2026.

“It is estimated that about 17 million Ghanaians have accessed healthcare through the NHIS since last year,” she said.

The NHIA deputy boss said the development formed part of progress recorded under efforts to strengthen the NHIS, including the regular payment of claims to healthcare providers.

She disclosed that the government cleared outstanding claims arrears of about GH¢963 million by April 2025, after which claims have been paid monthly.

“Claims payment is the anchor of the NHIS,” she said.

She added that total claims paid in 2025 exceeded GH¢2 billion, with more than GH¢153 million paid to facilities in the Upper East Region.

Between January and July 2026, a further GH¢1.4 billion had been paid nationwide, while the Upper East Region received more than GH¢100 million.

Mad. Bogobiri said the consistent payment of claims had helped restore confidence among healthcare providers and improved service delivery at the point of care.

“Your Excellency, this consistent payment regime has restored provider confidence and improved service delivery at the point of care,” she said.

The Free Primary Health Care Durbar at the Zuarungu Health Centre brought together health officials, traditional leaders, political representatives, and other stakeholders.

The programme included presentations on the Free Primary Health Care Programme, the NHIS, and the policy behind the initiative, followed by an address by President John Dramani Mahama.