The Vice President, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched a digital health platform known as Telehealth Health Services to further improve access to quality healthcare in Ghana.

The platform, which is set to redefine the contours of healthcare delivery in Ghana is aimed at bringing medical consultations into the homes and hands of Ghanaians as every Government health facility across the nation will be connected to the service.

Telehealth Services will be under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, in close collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Ghana Health Service, the Pharmacy Council, and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency.

The new programme in health forms part of the National E-Pharmacy Platform (NEPP) which has been integrated into both the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and private health insurance systems as part of measures to revolutionize the way prescriptions are managed and dispensed across Ghana.

Addressing the public including staff of the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health as well as NHIA and other stakeholders at the Ejisu Government hospital on Monday November 11, 2024, Dr Bawumia said the launch of the healthcare app reaffirms his government’s resolve to usher in an era where technology meets humanity in the service of health.

“Today we are launching the NHIA Telehealth Services and the continued nationwide growth of the National E-Pharmacy System and these innovations are the ones that will redefine the contours of healthcare delivery in our beloved nation”, Dr Bawumia stated.

Details:

Dr Bawumia said the Ministry of Health, in close collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Ghana Health Service, the Pharmacy Council, and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency were collectively embarking on a journey to realize a vision that is audacious as it is vital.

He noted that this vision ensures that every citizen has unhindered access to quality healthcare regardless of location.

Benefits

The NHIA Telehealth Services is a key component of the ongoing infusion of technology and innovation into the provision of essential services in every sector of Ghanaian society.

The Telehealth service, he stressed is not merely an addition to the healthcare system but a revolutionary approach that brings medical consultations into the homes and hands of our people.

TeleHealth Services will make Specialist Care accessible to all and reduce travel costs and time; ease congestion at the hospitals as routine follow-ups can be handled online and free up hospital spaces for acute and emergency cases.

The management of chronic diseases like Diabetes and Hypertension will be improved as there will be regular check-ups to ensure stable management of their conditions without frequent hospital visits.

The decongestion in hospitals will allow immediate medical attention and increase education and awareness, allowing healthcare to reach wide audiences with vital health information that can promote preventive healthcare practices as well.

“Telehealth services provide quick preliminary consultations that can guide necessary actions or interventions much faster than traditional methods”, he added

Commendation:

Dr Bawumia commended the staff of the agencies who have worked collaboratively to make the Telehealth service a reality, and urged the officials charged with running the service to ensure and maintain the highest quality standards.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.