The Greater Accra Regional office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has teamed up with the Ga Mantse to celebrate the Homowo festival with a health-focused initiative, offering free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration and renewal, alongside health screening and educational sessions.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving community health and raising awareness about the benefits of preventive healthcare.
In a statement underscoring the initiative's significance, Mr. Bernard Brown, Director of Operations for the Coastal Belt at NHIA, highlighted the strategic shift from curative to preventive care.
"As part of our social responsibility, this partnership aims to encourage the public to prioritize their health by leveraging the resources available through the NHIS. We want to educate people on the importance of maintaining good health and the benefits of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to healthcare,” Mr. Brown said.
One of the key objectives of the initiative is to register 20,000 new NHIS members during the Homowo festival, focusing particularly on the Ga State and Ga Adangbe communities.
Elliot Asante Apreku, Corporate Social Responsibility emphasized the importance of this new collaboration with traditional authorities.
He noted that such partnerships are vital in promoting health awareness and expanding access to healthcare services within local communities.
“By partnering with the Ga State during the Homowo festival, we are reaching out directly to the people, making it easier for them to access essential health services and understand the importance of health insurance,” Mr. Asante stated.
The health services provided during the festival will include:
Free NHIS Registration and Renewal: The NHIA aims to make it as convenient as possible for individuals to register for or renew their health insurance, ensuring more people are covered under the scheme.
Comprehensive Health Screening: Attendees will have access to free health checks, including blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments.
These screenings are designed to help identify potential health issues early and encourage timely intervention.
-Health Education Talks: Experts will deliver talks on crucial health topics such as nutrition, disease prevention, and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
These sessions aim to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed health decisions.
The Homowo festival, a significant cultural event for the Ga people, celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and is a time for community gathering and reflection.
By aligning with this cultural celebration, the NHIA aims to enhance its outreach and impact, reinforcing the message that health should be a priority in every community.
Mr. Asante reiterated the importance of regular health check-ups and preventive care, urging all Ghanaians to take advantage of the services offered during the festival.
"Your health is your wealth, and we are here to help you protect it,” he said.
This partnership is a testament to the NHIA’s ongoing commitment to increasing health insurance coverage and promoting preventive care across the nation.
By working closely with traditional authorities like the Ga State, the NHIA continues to demonstrate its dedication to enhancing community health and ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to the healthcare they need.
The initiative during the Homowo festival marks a significant step forward in the NHIA’s efforts to build a healthier, more informed society, where preventive care and early intervention are the norms rather than the exception.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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