NHIS quiz: NHIA G/A Regional Director challenges students to champion health insurance awareness

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has urged students to take a more active role in promoting health insurance awareness, with its Greater Accra Regional, Marguerita Taylor Plange, leading the advocacy.

Madam Marguerita described young people as powerful agents of change capable of influencing how communities understand and embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

She believes students can become an important link between the Authority and the wider public by sharing accurate information about the scheme with their families, friends and communities, helping more people understand its benefits and the importance of maintaining active membership.

Madam Marguerita made the call at the Greater Accra Regional NHIS Inter-School Quiz Competition, where she encouraged participating students to look beyond the academic contest and see themselves as potential ambassadors for the scheme.

In her opening remarks, she explained that the competition was designed not only to test students’ knowledge but also to provide an educational platform through which they could learn about the NHIS, its benefits and its contribution to Ghana’s pursuit of universal health coverage.

She described the students as future leaders and decision-makers whose understanding of the scheme would be important to its continued relevance and sustainability.

“We encourage you to become an NHIS ambassador by sharing what you learn today with your families, your friends and your communities at large,” she said.

Ms Plange further urged the contestants to help promote regular enrolment and membership renewal, stressing that public awareness should go beyond knowing that the NHIS exists to understanding how to maintain access to its benefits.

“Investing in the knowledge of young people is investing in the future sustainability of the NHIS,” she added.

Also, the Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Administration and Human Resources, Raphael Segkpeb, reinforced the message, describing young people as powerful agents of change who could influence how communities understand and embrace the scheme.

He said equipping students with accurate information would enable them to educate their families, friends and communities, helping to improve public understanding of the NHIS.

“We believe at the National Health Insurance Authority that young people are powerful agents of change. By equipping you with the right information, you can become National Health Insurance Scheme ambassadors, and help educate families, friends and communities,” he said.

A lesson beyond the competition

While encouraging students to become advocates for the scheme, Mr Segkpeb reminded them that the value of the quiz should not be measured solely by the number of questions answered correctly or the schools that advance to the next stage.

He urged contestants to embrace the competition as an opportunity to learn, sharpen their knowledge, work as a team and develop the confidence to participate in challenging academic environments.

“Beyond winning, the most important thing is the knowledge you acquire today,” he emphasised.

About NHIA quiz

The Greater Accra Regional NHIS Inter-School Quiz Competition was organised as part of activities marking the NHIS Month in November, with a focus on strengthening health insurance education among young people.

Both officials acknowledged the contribution of the Greater Accra Regional Office of the Ghana Education Service (GES), participating schools, teachers and the organising team towards the success of the initiative.

Ms Plange expressed appreciation to the schools and stakeholders for their participation before officially declaring the competition open. She encouraged contestants to approach the exercise with confidence, enthusiasm and a spirit of healthy competition.

Mr Segkpeb also commended the organisers and called for sustained collaboration to promote health insurance education, urging stakeholders to continue advancing the NHIA’s message: “The National Health Insurance Scheme, your access to healthcare.”