Article
The potential of mobile technologies to promote insurance renewal in Ghana: A qualitative study
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Authors
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Fati Ibrahim
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Anne Neumann
- Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Kofi Akohene Mensah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Verena Struckmann
- Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Ruth Waitzberg
- Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| Published: | November 28, 2023 |
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Outline
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Introduction: The mobile phone renewal system (MRS) has increased renewals in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana. However, population coverage with active membership remains low, especially among informal workers. We explored how mobile phone add-ons can further promote insurance renewal in the NHIS through the decision-maker’s and informal workers’ perspectives.
Methods: Qualitative data were collected from 13 decision-makers involved in the development and implementation of the MRS and 17 focus group discussions with 96 informal workers using semi-structured in-depth interview guides in Accra and Kumasi between March and August 2022. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes and categories.
Results: Mobile phone technology was perceived as beneficial, with further potential to facilitate NHIS coverage. Participants proposed several functionalities (add-on tools) that digital technologies could offer to make NHIS renewal more accessible. Tool-related, institutional, and individual factors must be considered when implementing digital add-on tools. Besides improving technological and data protection infrastructure, implementation efforts must be responsive to National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) employees and potential users.
Conclusion: Different mobile technologies can potentially contribute to increasing NHIS coverage in Ghana. Implementation should address digital literacy and build trust in the use of mobile technology.
