Bolgatanga, Feb. 3, GNA - The cost of anti-retroviral drugs and treatment for HIV/AIDS are not included in the benefits provided under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and would, therefore, not be catered for, Dr Joseph Amankwah, Upper East Regional Director of Health Services has said.

Briefing the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) on the Scheme at a meeting in Bolgatanga, Dr Amankwah said the issue of anti-retroviral care would come under a separate package that would be outlined later. He indicated that organ transplant including heart surgery, provision of artificial denture, elective abortion, cash reimbursement and travelling abroad for treatment are also not covered by the scheme. "The vision of the new system is to ensure equitable universal access for all residents of Ghana to an acceptable quality of essential health services without out-of-pocket payment being demanded at the point of service use," he explained.

He said the provision of pharmaceutical and ambulance services, medical care, and oral health are as some of the general services available under the NHIS.

The Regional Director said the scheme would make healthcare delivery in the country very efficient and that there would be no room for complaints of shortage of drugs or absence of medical doctors at the point of service delivery.

To this end, only certified health institutions and well-established pharmacies would qualify to provide services under the scheme.

Dr Amankwah announced that the Builsa, Kassena-Nankana and Bawku West Districts in the Upper East Region were among the 42 districts nationwide to pilot the scheme and urged the respective District Chief Executives (DCEs) to accord it the needed support for a successful take-off.

On the progress of implementation of the NHIS in the Region, Dr Amankwah indicated that a regional technical team, as well as district taskforces had already been formed to facilitate the scheme's implementation locally.

Dr Amankwah advocated the formation of a Regional Oversight Committee to monitor the Scheme's implementation. There should also be an improvement in the flow of information between the Regional Coordinating Council and District Assemblies, as well as the Regional and District Health Administrations to avoid duplication.

Nurses attend workshop on technicalities of NHIS

Bolgatanga, Feb. 3, GNA - Upper East Regional Minister Mahami Salifu on Monday expressed gratitude to medical practitioners in the country, especially nurses, for staying back home to work even under trying conditions.

"I am aware that your services are more rewarding elsewhere, but as patriots you have chosen to serve your country and people through whose sweat you acquired your education and training." Mr Salifu said in view of these sacrifices, the Government would strive to improve the working conditions of workers in the health sector. "It is my expectation that you will bear with Government while efforts are being made to improve upon your working conditions," he added.

He said this at the opening of a three-day training workshop on the role of nurses in the health insurance scheme and the development of Mutual Health Organisations (MHOs) in Ghana. Some 50 registered nurses drawn from all six districts of the Region are attending. The Minister said the replacement of the "Cash and Carry System" with the National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS) was dear to the heart of the Government and the people of Ghana, because the consequences of the former led to many preventable deaths.

Instances where patients, including accident victims were left to their fate was inhuman and did not reflect the wishes of Ghanaians, he said.

Mr Salifu said the Government was determined to give the people of Ghana quality and affordable health care and would, therefore, fashion out a system that would improve the health situation in the country, especially for the poor.

The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Joseph Amankwah, said the basic challenge to health providers under the NHIS would be to increase access to good quality services in return for contributors' money.

He said issues of patients' rights and codes of conduct would gain prominence and reminded the nurses that pressure groups would soon emerge to seek legal redress for poor quality service.

Dr Amankwah called on the professionals to maintain the utmost confidentiality on client information and that staff at health facilities should take the billing and payment systems seriously.