STORY BY: KWEKU BOLTON
In the bustling city of Accra, the capital city of Ghana, in West Africa, where the skyline reflects both the promise and challenges of modern life, Doris Ansah, 44, lived a quiet life with her two young children. Doris, a single mother whose husband passed away several years ago, juggles multiple jobs to provide for her children’s basic needs. Yet, one thing remained uncertain: their health.
Doris’s younger child, Paa Kwesi 14, was diagnosed with a chronic illness that requires regular medical attention. Without health insurance, Doris, faced insurmountable medical bills, and the quality-of-care, Kofi received often depended on her fluctuating income. The stress was unbearable, and the fear of an unexpected medical emergency loomed over them like a dark cloud.
Then, a ray of hope emerged. Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) announced an innovative new program aimed at reaching underserved communities. This program, powered by mobile technology, allowed individuals to register and manage their health insurance through their smartphones.
With this breakthrough, it was possible for Doris, to access health insurance without the bureaucratic hurdles that had previously stood in her way.
During the introduction and registration of NHIS many people face long waiting times at registration centers due to high demand and limited staff.
Applicants often encounter difficulties with required documentation, such as providing valid identification or proof of residence, which can delay the process.
In some rural areas, the limited number of registration centers forces residents to travel long distances to access services.
The lack of clear information about the registration process, eligibility criteria, and required documents leads to confusion and incomplete applications. System outages or technical glitches can also disrupt the registration process, causing further delays and frustration.
The new system was driven by a partnership between the NHIS and tech startups focused on healthcare solutions. One of such startups, HealthNet, developed an app, which ensured easy registration and also provided users with a wealth of health-related resources. From scheduling appointments to accessing telemedicine services, the HealthNet app, became a lifeline for thousands of Ghanaians.
Currently, the NHIS package provides coverage for approximately 95 per cent of the most common causes of illness in Ghana, and includes inpatient and outpatient care, comprehensive maternity care, diagnostic testing, generic medicines, emergency care and HIV/AIDS symptomatic treatment for opportunistic infections.
Doris Ansah, quickly registered her family through the app and, for the first time, felt a sense of relief. Kwesi, received consistent and high-quality medical care without the crushing financial burden. The app also introduced Doris, to wellness programs and preventive care tips, transforming how she managed her family’s health.
This innovative solution not only changed Dori’s, life but also highlighted a broader trend in the health insurance industry: the integration of technology to increase accessibility and efficiency. The use of mobile apps and telemedicine services broke down barriers, reaching populations that had previously been excluded from traditional healthcare systems.
Moreover, this shift was supported by data analytics, which helped insurance providers understand the specific needs of different communities. By analyzing health trends and patterns, insurers could offer tailor-made policies targeting the unique needs of individuals like, Doris.
The positive impact of these innovations in the health insurance, goes beyond individual families. It created the opportunities for a number of people to gain access to health insurance, which results show remarkable improvement in public health outcomes. As of 2021. 72 percent of female population in Ghana had a health insurance and 64.7 percent of male population was registered under health insurance scheme.
The associated preventive care measures introduced through the use of the App, tend to increase awareness among the people, and have contributed to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. Early interventions have seen reduction in overall healthcare costs. The ripple effect was a healthier, more resilient society.
Eventually, the story of Doris, and her son, Kwesi, illustrates the transformative power of health insurance, especially when combined with innovative solutions and new trends.
The integration of technology, data analytics, and community-focused programs redefined what health insurance could achieve, providing a beacon of hope for many in Accra in particular, and the underserved communities in general.
