Ghana’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has unveiled a pioneering initiative to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with its inaugural free annual health check-up program.
This proactive step by NHIA focuses specifically on hypertension and diabetes, two prevalent NCDs contributing significantly to health-related fatalities in the country.
Globally, NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers pose substantial public health challenges. In 2019 alone, these diseases accounted for 74% of all health-related deaths worldwide, totalling 41 million fatalities.
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized the urgency of addressing these statistics through innovative health strategies. He highlighted the program’s goals of enhancing screening accessibility, early detection of NCD risk factors, and promoting healthy lifestyles such as good nutrition and physical activity.
Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, CEO of NHIA, underscored that the initiative marks a sustained effort rather than a one-time event. The program aims to embed routine health checks into healthcare practices, prioritizing early detection and intervention.
The inaugural phase offers comprehensive screening services, including blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, body mass index assessments, and counselling. It ensures equitable access to these services across public and private healthcare facilities nationwide, regardless of economic status or geographic location.
All Ghanaian residents aged 18 and above registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are eligible for this free health program. NHIA pledges to collaborate with healthcare partners throughout the initiative to guarantee high-quality screening and counselling services.
Through this initiative, NHIA aims to significantly advance health outcomes and foster a healthier future for Ghana by combating the pervasive impact of NCDs.
