Sunyani, Sept. 14, GNA - The Ghana Traditional Caterers Association is negotiating with relevant authorities so that the medical screening of its members and other food vendors is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Mr. Caseley Hayford, the Brong-Ahafo Regional President of the association who spoke at a workshop in Sunyani, said the negotiations were at an advanced stage and urged members and other food vendors to take advantage and register with the scheme. He said section 286 of the criminal code enjoined all food caterers to be examined to ensure they do no t infect their customers with communicable diseases. The workshop was organised by the association in collaboration with the Foods and Drugs Board and was attended by members of the association and other food vendors including bakers.

The participants were briefed by nutrition officers of the Ministry of Health as well as environmental health officers on how to keep their surroundings clean and to keep to clean personal hygiene. Mr. Hayford said this when a participant suggested that the medical screening exercise be placed under the health insurance scheme since its high cost deterred most food vendors from undergoing the exercise. He said and BUSAC Fund was assisting the association in negotiations with the Ghana Tourist Board and the government over the issue.