Health News of Monday, 23 January 2012

Source: GNA

GMA calls for suspension of NHIS Capitation Project in Ashanti Region

Accra, Jan 23, GNA - The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called for the immediate suspension of the National Health Insurance Scheme Capitation Project in the Ashanti Region, for a broader consultation with stakeholders.

A statement signed by Dr Frank Serebour, General Secretary of GMA, copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra, said health facilities and clients had raised concerns about the project.

It said “the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners have vehemently protested against, it receiving the support of their counterparts in the public institutions.”

The statement said unfortunately, several clients were finding it difficult to access health care, which was their basic right.

It said: “All these issues clearly, show that not enough education and sensitization have taken place regarding the programme”.

The statement expressed concern about the low per capita income, which might collapse the health system and make clients to suffer unduly as some facilities may resort to co-payment of a sort.

“GMA is not against the National Health Insurance Authority but the form the implementation of the project has taken leaves much to be desired’, it said.

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