The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has launched a telehealth service as part of efforts to expand the benefits available to pensioners and deliver value beyond monthly pension payments.
The initiative is expected to improve access to healthcare for retirees by enabling them to consult healthcare professionals remotely, reducing some of the barriers associated with seeking medical care.
The initiative is a complementary digital health service by SSNIT, in collaboration with the National Health Authority and the Trust Hospital.
Speaking at the launch, Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney, said the telehealth platform reflects the Trust’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of pensioners beyond its core mandate of pension administration.
“Healthcare needs are increasing, people are ageing, and access gaps still exist. This helps us to address that access gap. Our telehealth represents an important evolution in institutional thinking. It reflects a shift from being primarily a transactional pension administrator to becoming a more holistic social impact organisation concerned with the broader well-being of our members.
“Through this intervention, SSNIT pensioners will be able to access remote medical care from the convenience of their homes, irrespective of where they are in dignity and with respect,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe on his part highlighted the significance of adopting the telehealth service to expand access to healthcare.
“Around the world, telehealth is transforming the way health care is delivered. It enables patients to consult qualified health professionals remotely, helping to reduce the barriers of distance, travel, waiting time and inconvenience. For many pensioners, particularly those living far from major health facilities or managing chronic conditions, this service will make access to health care easier, faster and more convenient. The integration of telehealth into the NHIA’s ecosystem marks an important step in expanding access whilst preserving quality and continuity of care,” he added.
The National Pensioners Association welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely to address the needs of pensioners.
“Today is a great day for SNIT pensioners across Ghana because it shows something very important. It shows that our concerns have been heard and that steps have been taken to address them. As pensioners, healthcare is not an occasional need. For many of us, it is part of daily life. As we grow older, healthcare becomes very important. Many pensioners require regular medical attention and ongoing support for chronic conditions,” General Secretary of the National Pensioners Association, Stephen Boakye remarked.
