Accra, April 16, GNA – Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited (OISL) has partnered with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to expand access to healthcare while promoting financial inclusion for women.
The partnership, unveiled at the Rawlings Park in the Central Business District, Accra, enables women who apply for loans with OISL to benefit from free national health insurance registration or renewal.
“By removing a key barrier to healthcare access, the initiative strengthens the ability of women (particularly those in low-income communities) to pursue economic opportunities with greater security and confidence,” a release copied to Ghana News Agency said on Wednesday.
Mr Ernest Yerekuu, the Chief Executive Officer, OISL, described the initiative as a deliberate step towards the holistic empowerment of women.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to addressing the real constraints our clients face. By combining access to finance with access to healthcare, we are enabling women to grow their businesses with resilience and dignity,” he was quoted as saying.
Mr Francis Owusu-Ansah, Chief Business Officer, OISL, said the initiative aligned with the organisation’s broader mission of supporting women-led businesses and improving livelihoods.
He noted that the partnership would enhance the well-being of clients and strengthen their ability to build and sustain successful enterprises.
Mr Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Director, Corporate Affairs, NHIA, emphasised the Authority’s commitment to expanding coverage through strategic partnerships.
He said collaborations with financial institutions such as the OISL were essential in reaching underserved populations and ensuring more Ghanaians accessed quality healthcare without financial hardship.
Mr Sebastian Alangpulinsa, Director, Membership and Regional Operations, NHIA, underscored the importance of integrating health insurance with financial services as an approach to improving enrolment and retention under the scheme.
The partnership is expected to improve financial and health security of women across the communities OISL serves.
Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited is a subsidiary of Opportunity International, a global organization dedicated to enabling clients to sustainably exit poverty.
It operates in over 30 countries, serving more than 20 million clients through microloans, savings, microinsurance, and non-financial services, with its global headquarters in Chicago, USA.
In Ghana, OISL serves over 200 communities through a network of 39 branches across 11 regions, delivering inclusive financial services to underserved populations, with a strategic focus on women, smallholder farmers, and micro and small enterprises.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe