Offinso (Ash), Aug 18, GNA - The Offinsoman Health Insurance Scheme jointly set up by the Offinso Traditional Council and the District Assembly, has now taken off with the start of premium collection from registered contributors.

Each contributor would pay 72,000 cedis annually, which is expected to be fully settled within three months.

Nana Osei Sarpong, Mpehihene and Co-ordinator of the Scheme's Working Committee, who announced this, said 120 people had been trained and legally contracted to collect the premium.

He was briefing the Offinso Traditional Council on the progress so far made by the committee at its sitting at Offinso on Tuesday. Nana Sarpong said as from February next year, the contributors would no longer make cash payment at the point of health service delivery.

He praised the Partnership for Health Reform-Plus (PHR-Plus) for the technical assistance to commence implementation of the scheme. He asked the people to demand receipts for their contributions. Nana Wiafe Akenten III, Omanhene of Offinso, praised the committee for its sense of commitment, dedication and diligence.

He noted that many patients suffering from diseases that could easily be treated at health facilities ended up at prayer camps, often resulting in complications and fatalities because they could not afford medical bills.

The Omanhene said with the operation of the scheme, that unfortunate situation was going to change and that the people would now have access to quality health care.

Nana Wiafe Akenten advised his sub-chiefs to work together with assembly members and the unit committees in their communities to give adequate protection to the premium collectors in the performance of their duties.

Meanwhile, the PHR-Plus has presented 150 high quality all weather bags to the committee to be used by the collectors. 18 Aug. 04