Takoradi Oct.13, GNA - Mr James Ohemeng Kyei, Western Regional Pharmacist, on Wednesday said October has been set aside as the Regional National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) month during which there would be intensified sensitisation about the scheme. Mr Kyei who announced this at the inauguration of a renovated women's ward of the Takoradi hospital, said only 20 per cent of residents in the informal sector have registered with the Scheme in the Region.

He said eight per cent of those registered in the informal sector have paid their premiums in full.

The Regional Pharmacist said there was not much problem with those who registered from the formal sector because they were contributors to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). He called on religious bodies to assist whip up people's interest in the scheme to register to enable them access better health care. Mr Kyei said people were not able to bear the high cost of health care therefore, everyone should embrace the Scheme.

He disclosed that two men on admission at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital who underwent surgical operations owe the hospital about 16 million cedis.

Mr Kyei said they were admitted in June and July this year, both were discharged in September but were still at the hospital because they could not settle their bills.