Kpandai: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced the permanent inclusion of dialysis services in Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), a move set to transform healthcare accessibility in the country. Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the Chief Executive of NHIA, disclosed that actuarial analyses have confirmed the program's feasibility and sustainability. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Aboagye made this announcement at the opening of NHIA's district office in Kpandai, Northern Region. He emphasized the government's dedication to providing quality and accessible healthcare across the nation. Previously, the NHIA offered free dialysis services at varying proportions for a limited six-month period, covering up to eight sessions per month for patients under 18 and over 60 years, and two sessions for those aged 18 to 59. This pilot program is now set to become a permanent feature of the NHIS. The initiative is part of NHIA's corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at bridging healt hcare access gaps while the government establishes a long-term solution. Dr. Aboagye highlighted other recent additions to the NHIS benefit package, noting that these changes are part of a broader effort toward healthcare modernization in Ghana. Dr. Aboagye also addressed the financial health of the NHIS, noting that the scheme was previously burdened with a significant debt of 1.2 billion Ghana cedis in 2017, which led to unpaid health facilities and restricted care access. However, he praised the efforts of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia for reversing this situation. The NHIA has achieved record claim payments, with over Ghc800 million cedis disbursed recently, and an additional over GHc300 million cedis in October. Claims have been paid up to August 2024, with no outstanding vetted claims pending payment. Further initiatives include the introduction of an E-Pharmacy policy to eliminate co-payments within the NHIS, and the addition of mental health conditions, suc h as depression and anxiety, to the NHIS benefit package starting November 1, 2024. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility to mental health services. In related developments, Dr. Aboagye inaugurated additional district offices in Suaman and Juaboso in the Western North Region, and Damango in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region. These offices are intended to ensure residents have access to 95 percent of primary healthcare needs covered by the NHIS. Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, Northern Regional Minister, lauded NHIA's infrastructure improvements, noting increased healthcare utilization and decreased out-of-pocket expenses due to NHIS enrollment. He encouraged community members to enroll to benefit from expanded services, including dialysis and mental health coverage. District Chief Executive Mr. Kofi Tatabika expressed gratitude to the NHIA for upgrading the district office, highlighting its role in facilitating health insurance enrollment and enhancing community health and well-bei ng.