The Corporate Affairs Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, has called on healthcare providers to acquaint themselves with the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system ahead of its pilot implementation in the Ahafo Region.

He stressed that while the NHIA is intensifying public education on the digital innovation, the success of the system will largely depend on healthcare providers during the implementation phase.

“The real work will start during implementation. Healthcare providers must understand the process thoroughly to assist NHIS members who may encounter challenges in generating the code,” he said.

Mr. Essuah-Mensah made the appeal during a training session for selected healthcare providers in Goaso on Monday, June 8, 2026, ahead of the OTAC pilot rollout.

The OTAC is a four-digit code generated by National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members by dialing *929# before accessing healthcare services at accredited facilities.

The code is used to verify service delivery, improve claims accuracy, and reduce impersonation and fraudulent claims.

He further noted that facilities participating in the pilot must work closely with the Authority to ensure a smooth rollout, adding that the implementation of improved NHIS tariffs would depend largely on the success of the OTAC pilot.

The Acting Director of the Management Information Systems (MIS) at NHIA, Mr. Joe Annor-Dankwah, took participants through the OTAC generation process and explained how facilities would use it to generate Claims Check Codes (CCC) for claims processing.

He emphasized that the innovation does not fundamentally change existing service procedures, but rather strengthens verification and accountability.

“Members will only be required to provide an OTAC in addition to their NHIS membership number when seeking healthcare,” he explained.

He added that the system is expected to reduce rejected claims and improve efficiency within the scheme.

The Omanhene of Sunyani, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, also urged healthcare providers to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the NHIS.

He described the scheme as one of Ghana’s most important social interventions, providing healthcare access to millions of citizens.

He cautioned against inflated claims, warning that such practices could threaten the sustainability of the system.

“If the scheme collapses, healthcare facilities will also suffer because many people may not be able to afford healthcare services,” he said.

The NHIA is currently piloting the OTAC system in more than 20 healthcare facilities across the Ahafo Region as part of preparations for a nationwide rollout.

Officials say the pilot will help identify operational challenges before full implementation.

The programme was attended by senior NHIA officials, including the Director of Membership and Regional Operations, Mr. Sebastian Alagpulinsa; his Deputy, Ms. Wireduwaa Awuah; Deputy Director of MIS, Mr. Stephen Bewong; and the Acting Ahafo Regional Director, Mr. George Mawuli.