By Juliet Akosua Danquah
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched the maiden edition of its Campus Connect initiative at Takoradi Technical University (TTU) in the Western Region, in a move aimed at expanding access to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services among students in tertiary institutions.
The initiative, led by the Marketing and Branding Unit under the Corporate Affairs Directorate, will deepen awareness of the NHIS, strengthen engagement with the youth, and provide convenient on-campus registration and renewal services for students.
The launch, which formed part of TTU’s Akwaaba Week activities, featured a courtesy call on the University’s management, an interactive engagement session with students, and the establishment of an NHIS registration desk to facilitate instant registration and renewal of NHIS cards on campus.
Receiving the NHIA delegation, the Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, stressed the importance of health insurance in supporting students’ wellbeing, particularly in situations were financial constraints limit access to healthcare.
“Health financing is very important. There are times students fall sick but do not have money to visit a health facility. I therefore encourage students to take the Campus Connect initiative seriously by registering and renewing their NHIS cards,” he stated.
Addressing students at the engagement session, the Deputy Director for Marketing and Branding at NHIA, Joyce Angela Asiedu (Esq.), explained that the Campus Connect initiative reflected the NHIA’s commitment to making NHIS services more accessible and relevant to young people.
“Campus Connect is about bringing the NHIS closer to students by providing direct access to services, information and support on campuses. This initiative, endorsed by our Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, ensures that students are empowered to focus on their academic pursuits without the added burden of healthcare costs,” she said.
She reiterated that the NHIS exists to protect individuals and families from the financial risks associated with illness and cautioned students against illegal charges for services fully covered under the Scheme, urging them to report such practices through the appropriate NHIA channels.
In a presentation to students, the Western Regional Public Relations Manager of NHIA, Mr. Raymond Awiah, announced that the Scheme is expected to implement a 120 per cent increment in tariffs this year, a measure intended to improve provider reimbursement and help curb illegal charges at credentialed health facilities.
The NHIA says the Campus Connect initiative will be rolled out across other tertiary institutions nationwide as part of its broader strategy to increase NHIS enrolment, enhance service delivery, and strengthen engagement with young people.
