Three thousand new cards were distributed to NHIS members in the district which has been chosen as one of the several districts nationwide to operate with the new cards on pilot basis.

Unveiling the cards, Ibrahim Wiredu, Corporate Affairs Manager of the NHIA, said the old cards were being replaced with the new ones in phases so as not to create panic and also to get members well informed on the change.

He explained that the introduction of the new cards will help solve teething problems and further create a common technology platform for all the 145 Mutual Health Insurance Schemes in the country.

Mr Wiredu noted that the new cards can be used by beneficiaries to access health care anywhere in the country.

Beneficiaries will also be given health facility attendance booklets to cover the whole year.

"The attendance booklets will replace the three attendance cards currently being issued to members upon registration," he added.

The corporate manager said the new card is designed like a credit card and is very easy to carry in one’s pocket, purse or bag.

He announced that with effect from May next year, all members of NHIS in the Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti, Northern, Greater Accra and Volta Regions will be given the new cards as they go to register or renew their membership cards.

He advised beneficiaries of the NHIS not to give their membership cards to others to access health.

Source: New Times