Officials of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have begun consultative meetings with major stakeholders in the Volta Region towards the introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHIS) capitation programme in the Region.

NHIS capitation is an upfront payment of a pre-determined fixed rate to healthcare service providers for clients enrolled in particular healthcare facilities.

It covers only primary healthcare service.

The programme was piloted in the Ashanti Region for two years and about to be introduced in the Volta, Upper East and Upper West regions.

Mr. Nathaniel Otoo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, in-charge of operations, NHIA, said at a meeting with Mr. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, the Volta Regional Minister and his Deputy, Mr. Francis Ganyaglo, that the success story of the pilot capitation in Ashanti Region justified its extension to other regions.

He said the programme had enhanced the relationship between patients and healthcare providers to the extent that doctors call to check on patients’ progress.

Mr. Otoo said it had also generated healthy competition among health facilities with patients being given good care at Out-Patient-Departments.

“Patients also have the choice to choose their own facilities for healthcare service for at least six months,” he said.

Mr. Anthony Gingong, Project Coordinator, Nationwide Capitation Role-out, said the Ashanti Region recorded 88 per cent satisfaction rate and said capitation had become paramount in healthcare delivery.

Mr. Afotey-Agbo promised to provide leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the project in the region.

The NHIS in the Volta Region has about 985,453 active members representing 43 per cent out of a population of 2,287,711, according officials of the NHIA.