By Peter Agengre
The Nabdam District in the Upper East Region has officially received a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) office, a major boost expected to improve access to healthcare for residents of the area. The new office, located in Nangodi, is projected to register and serve an estimated 50,000 beneficiaries across the district.
The establishment of the NHIS office follows years of advocacy by the Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, who fought for the creation of the facility to ease the burden residents faced in accessing NHIS services. Prior to this development, residents had to travel long distances to neighboring districts to register, renew their cards, or access other NHIS-related services.
The commissioning ceremony was well-attended by traditional rulers, including chiefs from various communities, officials of the Nabdam District Assembly, health workers, and the Regional Director of Health Services, among other key stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane noted that the absence of an NHIS office in the district had imposed significant financial and logistical challenges on residents. According to him, many people spent more money on transportation to NHIS offices outside the district than the actual cost of registering for the scheme.
“For a long time, our people have been disadvantaged. Some would spend more on transport than the NHIS registration itself. This situation discouraged many from enrolling or renewing their membership,” the MP stated. “With this office now in Nangodi, that challenge will soon be a thing of the past.”
Dr. Nawaane emphasized that improved access to NHIS services would enhance healthcare delivery in the district and encourage more residents to enroll, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The Regional Director of Health Services commended the MP and the district authorities for their efforts, describing the new NHIS office as a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage in the area. He urged residents to take full advantage of the facility to ensure timely access to healthcare services.
Community leaders also welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the NHIS office would reduce financial hardship, improve health outcomes, and bring essential services closer to the people of Nabdam.
