Health News of Thursday, 18 January 2007

Source: ransford k. agyemang & muhazu bilail, classic fm, techiman.

TMMHIS spends ¢8,481,929,800 in 12 months

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) since its inception about three years ago has really made significant impact in the lives of most Ghanaians, most especially the vulnerable, talk of quality health delivery.

Ghanaians would testify that the implementation of the NHIS by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration has redeemed the citizenry. The maiden health policy arrived at a time that the Ghanaians were yearning for affordable health delivery system.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) in charge of Techiman Municipal Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (TMMHIS), Richard Asamoah made this known in an interaction on Classic Fm on 16thh January, 2007. According to him the TMMHIS from September 2005- 2006 spent up to ¢8,481,929,800. He said the NHIS has now made health care in the country more accessible, there by bridging the gab between the affluent and the down trodden that existed in the past.

The PRO further observed that some times past the cash and carry system created big vacuum among Ghanaians, because the less endowed always find it difficult to treat their respective ailments. Speaking from medical point of view, the communication officer reiterated that authorities manning the scheme had already launched another one. This, the PRO said started from January 1st 2007 and is expected to end on 31st December this year.

He intimated that people in Techiman municipality will now be enjoying two health insurance schemes. He took the opportunity to entreat residents in the commercial capital and beyond to consider the benefits associated with the NHIS and join, adding that its significance have to be considered.

Mr. Asamoah continued that any form of negative attitude employed by beneficiaries to satisfy the selfish demands have to be condemned by all since it has the tendency of crippling the success of the scheme. He therefore advocated for the gate keeping system describing it as a reliable mechanism.