Sandema (U/E), March 31, GNA - The government has released 250 million cedis under the HIPC relief funds to the Builsa District Assembly in the Upper East Region to kick-start its Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). The amount is to be used to put in place the needed infrastructure and other support services for the scheme's smooth take-off in the district on a pilot basis.

Launching the scheme, at Sandema on Tuesday, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mahami Salifu said the government was determined, against all odds, to ensure that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) becomes a reality to replace the infamous "cash and carry" system. He said as it is the case under the current "cash and carry" system, individuals, families and communities would no longer be expected pay cash at the point of service delivery when the NHIS is in full operation.

The Regional Minister indicated that even though individuals would be required to make regular contributions to the scheme towards the cost of their future health care, the government would provide subsidy to the poor and vulnerable groups such as women and children.