The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched a free health screening initiative under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and chronic conditions.
The ‘Free Annual Health Checkup’ programme, announced in Accra on Wednesday, will provide comprehensive health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and Body Mass Index (BMI) testing, as well as counselling and referrals.
The initiative aims to offer preventive healthcare services to all citizens, with NHIA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye emphasizing its importance in tackling NCDs, which are major causes of mortality in Ghana.
Dr. Aboagye highlighted that all NHIS subscribers and Ghana Card holders aged 18 and above would be invited annually to participate in the check-up at any credentialed provider nationwide.
He described the programme as a demonstration of the government and NHIA’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and reducing disease incidence.
“Our Free Annual Health Checkup programme is designed to prevent severe health conditions, reduce healthcare costs, and improve quality of life,” he stated.
This initiative is expected to contribute to increasing life expectancy, accelerating the achievement of universal health coverage, and meeting Sustainable Development Goal Three.
The first phase of the NHIS preventive health initiative will be rolled out in public and private health facilities across the country, ensuring accessibility regardless of location or socio-economic status.
Dr. Aboagye acknowledged the collaborative efforts of stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and various health associations.
He also expressed gratitude to development partners like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their support.
At the launch, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Joseph Codjoe, representing the wife of the Vice-President, Samira Bawumia, urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the Free Annual Health Checkup for early detection and better health planning.
