Starting this month, children aged six to 14 will receive Ghana Cards for free, funded by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
This initiative aims to help three million children access primary healthcare by linking their Ghana Cards with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The NHIA will pay GH¢245 million to the National Identification Authority (NIA) for this project, Graphic Online reports.
NHIA CEO Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye announced this at a workshop in Kumasi, emphasizing that it is part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) in Ghana.
Currently, children under five receive the Ghana Card at birth, and those aged 15 and above have their NHIS linked to the card. This initiative will enhance membership data and reduce costs by avoiding the need for separate biometric cards.
Furthermore, the NHIA plans to introduce preventive healthcare programs focusing on hypertension, diabetes, and body mass index check-ups.
These programs aim to improve health outcomes and support UHC by 2030, with wellness centers and annual health reminders for NHIS members.
