The National Service Scheme has launched a 12-month insurance policy package for all National Service Personnel (NSP) across the country.

The package covers death, injury, medicals among other serious implications that may affect the wellbeing of personnel during the year of service.

According to the agreement, insurance companies such as GLICO will be required to pay a claim of GH¢15,000 to the next of kin in case of death of any service personnel during the period of service.

"Same applies to any critical situation that may render the personnel disabled or any form of implication." Board Chairman of the scheme, Professor Kofi Osei Akuoko told pressmen.

In the event of a personnel becoming temporarily disabled for a period not less than one month due to accidental injury, the insurance company would also pay the affected NSP GH¢3,000.

The board chairman said provisions of the National Service Scheme Act, 1980, Act 426 approves the package after vigorous and wide scrutiny and consultation.

Professor Akuoko cautioned insurance companies not to drag their feet when payment is due to any personnel.

Acting Executive Director of the Scheme, Mustapha Ussif disclosed other complimentary packages which accompanied the policy.

He said, "Personnel, as part of the insurance package would be entitled to other complimentary packages including, a loan facility of GH¢500, payable within a 6 months period."

The loan facility, he said, would ease up the financial burden of personnel while waiting to be paid their monthly “allowance”.

"Free inter MTN calls for service personnel each month. A recharge credit of GH¢5 for calls to other networks. Free browsing on Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram, WeChat, Jobberman website, GLICO website. A 500 free SMS each month, 100% bonus on all MTN recharge made by personnel and a free movie viewing twice a year at Silver Star Cinema(s). All this will be enjoyed under a premium of GH¢15.” he added.

The President of the National Service Personnel Association, Philip Quaye, in his speech, said, service personnel during the service go through life affecting situations that do not only affect their term of service but also affect their lives and that of their family in general.

He noted that a personnel was among the injured persons in the recent Gas explosion at Atomic Junction adding that if this policy had come earlier, the personnel could have enjoyed the package.

Meanwhile, the Scheme has withheld allowance of over 8,000 personnel for suspicion of impersonation. They have also been disqualified from doing national service.