NHIA Launches Pilot of One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) in Asunafo North to Streamline Health Access

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has officially commenced a pilot phase for its new One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) verification system in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo Region. Launched on June 10, 2025, this digital innovation represents a significant shift in how members of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) interact with healthcare providers. By digitizing the verification process at the point of service, the Authority aims to streamline operations and ensure that only valid members receive benefits under the national scheme.

Under the new system, NHIS members must dial the shortcode *929# on their mobile phones to generate a unique verification code before seeking medical attention. This code acts as a digital verification tool, confirming the member's active status and recording their attendance at a specific facility. The pilot is currently being conducted across all primary healthcare facilities within the municipality, providing a comprehensive testing ground for the technology's effectiveness in diverse clinical settings. The goal is to enhance access control while simultaneously improving the speed of service delivery.

To ensure a smooth transition, the NHIA undertook a rigorous preparation phase that included extensive community outreach and specialized training for frontline health workers. Officials have noted that the early days of the rollout have been encouraging, with no major technical malfunctions reported. This stability is critical as the Authority looks to refine the user experience based on real-world feedback from both patients and medical staff during the initial implementation phase.

Looking ahead, the Asunafo North pilot serves as the precursor to a wider regional and national strategy. Following the successful completion of the two-week trial, the NHIA plans to scale the OTAC system to the rest of the Ahafo Region. If these regional benchmarks are met, the system will eventually be deployed nationwide, forming a cornerstone of the NHIA's digital transformation agenda aimed at improving fiscal transparency and service quality for millions of Ghanaians.