NHIA urges health facilities to prepare for OTAC pilot rollout
The Corporate Affairs Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Oswald Essuah-Mensah, has called on healthcare providers to familiarize themselves with the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system ahead of its pilot implementation in the Ahafo Region. Speaking during a training session for selected healthcare providers in Goaso on Monday, June 8, 2026, he emphasized that although the NHIA is intensifying public education on the new digital innovation, healthcare providers will play a critical role in ensuring its successful implementation. “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 stated.
OTAC designed to strengthen verification and reduce fraud
The OTAC system requires National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members to generate a four-digit code by dialing *929# before accessing healthcare services at accredited facilities. According to the NHIA, the code will be used to verify service delivery, improve the accuracy of claims processing, and help eliminate impersonation and fraudulent claims within the healthcare system. Mr. Essuah-Mensah noted that healthcare facilities participating in the pilot programme must collaborate closely with the Authority to ensure a smooth rollout. He added that future improvements to NHIS tariffs would depend significantly on the success of the pilot phase.
NHIA trains providers on claims verification process
The Acting Director of Management Information Systems (MIS) at NHIA, Joe Annor-Dankwah, guided participants through the OTAC generation process and explained how healthcare facilities would use the code to generate Claims Check Codes (CCC) for claims processing.
He stressed that the innovation does not alter existing healthcare service procedures but rather enhances verification and accountability mechanisms within the scheme. “Members will only be required to provide an OTAC in addition to their NHIS membership number when seeking healthcare,” he explained. He further indicated that the system is expected to reduce rejected claims and improve operational efficiency across the NHIS.
Traditional leader calls for protection of NHIS
The Omanhene of Sunyani, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, also appealed to healthcare providers to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He described the NHIS as one of Ghana’s most significant social intervention programmes, providing healthcare access to millions of citizens across the country. The traditional ruler cautioned against inflated claims, warning that such practices could undermine the sustainability of the scheme. “If the scheme collapses, healthcare facilities will also suffer because many people may not be able to afford healthcare services,” he cautioned.
Pilot programme to inform nationwide rollout
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 phase will help identify and address operational challenges before the system is fully implemented across the country.
The training programme was attended by several senior NHIA officials, including Sebastian Alagpulinsa, his deputy Wireduwaa Awuah, Deputy Director of MIS Stephen Bewong, and the Acting Ahafo Regional Director, George Mawuli.
Enhancing accountability in healthcare delivery
The introduction of the OTAC system forms part of the NHIA’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency within Ghana’s health insurance scheme. With healthcare providers expected to serve as the frontline support system during implementation, the Authority remains optimistic that the pilot will pave the way for a successful nationwide deployment.
