In a move that fuses corporate celebration with tangible social impact, Premier Health Insurance has commemorated its 15th anniversary by donating 150 wheelchairs to public health facilities across Ghana, targeting a critical gap in patient mobility and care delivery.

The latest beneficiary, Sunyani Teaching Hospital, received 20 wheelchairs in a ceremony that underscored the growing strain on healthcare infrastructure and the urgent need for support tools that directly improve patient experience.

The initiative follows similar donations to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi and Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) in Accra, forming part of a broader nationwide intervention informed by the company’s own field assessments.

Chief Executive Officer of Premier Health Insurance, Percy Asare Ansah, said the decision was driven by firsthand insights gathered from public health institutions, where mobility challenges remain a persistent concern.

“When we engaged some public health institutions, it became clear that wheelchairs are a major need. In many facilities, they are either worn out, broken, or simply unavailable,” he stated.

He emphasized that the donation goes beyond logistics, touching on dignity, accessibility, and quality of care.

“This is about dignity and care. Pregnant women, critically ill patients, and those unable to walk will now move more easily within the hospital. It will significantly improve how quickly and comfortably they access care.”

While the anniversary initiative highlights corporate social responsibility, Premier Health Insurance is also setting its sights on long-term systemic impact through expanded health coverage.

Currently managing approximately 120,000 policyholders, the company aims to more than quadruple its reach.

“We want to move from 120,000 lives to about 500,000 within the next five to ten years,” Mr. Ansah revealed.

“Access to health insurance should not be a privilege for a few. It must be accessible to many, reducing the financial burden of healthcare on Ghanaian families.”

At Sunyani Teaching Hospital, the donation has been received as a timely intervention amid rising patient volumes and limited resources.

Hospital Administrator, Samuel Dodzi, described wheelchairs as indispensable to efficient healthcare delivery, particularly in a facility experiencing rapid growth as a referral and teaching centre.

“We receive many patients who cannot walk or struggle with mobility. They need to move between multiple service points, and without adequate wheelchairs, it becomes a major challenge,” he explained.

He noted that shortages have, at times, contributed to delays in patient care.
“Sometimes waiting time increases simply because we don’t have enough wheelchairs to transport patients. These additional 20 will significantly improve movement and efficiency within the hospital.”

Beyond routine care, the administrator highlighted the role of wheelchairs in emergency response and patient well-being.

“Not all emergencies require stretchers. some need wheelchairs. More importantly, when patients are supported this way, they feel comfortable, independent, and motivated. It improves their overall experience and recovery.”

Premier Health Insurance says the wheelchair distribution will continue across other major public health institutions, reinforcing its commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare delivery.

Report by Daniel Donkor, Bono Region