‘NHIS capitation mechanism would bring efficiency in healthcare’

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) would as from April, this year, roll out in three Regions, a capitation payment mechanism for general out-patient care under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Mr. Anthony Gingong, Coordinator in-charge of the Capitation Project of the Authority, said the beneficiary Regions include the Upper East and West and Volta.

The capitation programme, implemented in the Ashanti Region on a pilot basis, is a government policy intended to complement other provider payment methods, currently being used by the NHIA to bring efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Under the system, clients select their preferred health facility, which would be responsible for their primary healthcare needs to simplify the claims process by service providers.

Mr. Gingong, who was addressing a stakeholders’ workshop at Ahodwo near Kumasi, indicated that, by rolling out the capitation payment method, the Authority was hopeful of making the Scheme more effective.

This would prevent abuse of the health insurance system to help engender confidence and the sustenance of quality healthcare delivery.

The three-day workshop on “Communication Strategy” targeted District Scheme Managers, Public Relations Officers (PROs), Monitoring and Evaluation Officers and other stakeholders of the NHIS in the three mentioned Regions.

It was designed to build their communication skills and expertise for the successful roll-out of the capitation project.

Mr. Gingong said the move formed part of a long-term plan to roll-out the capitation payment system nationwide and urged the citizenry to embrace the concept.

Mr. Selorm Adonoo, Communications Manager of the NHIA, said an independent assessment by the World Bank and other stakeholders on the success of the piloted payment system in the Ashanti Region proved satisfactory.

“We believe that the NHIS will be more strengthened under the capitation payment mode to serve clients well”, he observed.