The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) have launched a new Telehealth Service aimed at improving access to healthcare for pensioners across Ghana.

The initiative, known as the SSNIT Telehealth Service, is designed to enable retirees to consult qualified healthcare professionals remotely, reducing challenges associated with distance, travel time, long queues, and access to health facilities.

The official launch in Accra was led by the Board Chair of SSNIT, Nana Ansah Sasraku III.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Victor Asare Bampoe, described the initiative as a significant step in leveraging technology to address the evolving healthcare needs of Ghanaians, particularly pensioners.

He noted that telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery globally by making medical consultations more accessible and convenient, especially for patients in remote locations or those managing chronic conditions.

Dr. Bampoe explained that the model goes beyond remote consultations to include access to prescribed medicines through participating pharmacies, creating a more seamless and patient-centred healthcare experience.

“For many pensioners, particularly those living far from major health facilities or managing chronic conditions, this service will make access to healthcare easier, faster and more convenient,” he said.

He commended SSNIT for its leadership in introducing the innovation and reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to working with SSNIT, the Trust Hospital, healthcare providers, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure the programme’s successful nationwide rollout.

He further stressed that the NHIA remains committed to its mandate of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare without financial hardship, adding that innovation is key to strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

“The integration of telehealth into the NHIS ecosystem marks an important step in expanding access while preserving quality and continuity of care,” he stated.

In a keynote address, the Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney, described the initiative as more than a healthcare service, but a broader step toward enhancing retirement dignity and social protection.

He noted that SSNIT is evolving beyond pension administration to become a more responsive social impact institution addressing the changing needs of its members.

Deputy Director-General in charge of Finance and Administration at SSNIT, Emelia Hoffman, also emphasized that retirement should not mean reduced access to healthcare, adding that pensioners deserve reliable and convenient support systems.

Under the programme, pensioners whose SSNIT or Ghanacard numbers are linked to their NHIS membership can access the service.

Those not yet linked can do so using the shortcode *929#.

The service is supported by a toll-free telehealth call centre (0800 877 555), where trained healthcare professionals are available daily to provide medical guidance at no cost to pensioners.

Following consultations, prescriptions are issued electronically and sent to approved pharmacies participating in the programme, ensuring timely access to medication and improved continuity of care.