Krobo (Ash), Aug. 17, GNA - More than 80 per cent of the about 78,000 eligible beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Sekyere West District have been registered. About 3,000 of the registered persons have so far paid up their initial subscription to the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) in full.

Mr Gabriel Antwi, District NHIS Consultant, announced this at the inauguration of the Sekyere West NHIS Identification Card photo-taking programme at Krobo near Asante-Mampong on Sunday.

The chief of Krobo, the Queenmother, District Chief Executive and the District Co-ordinating Director were among the 300 people who registered with the scheme from Krobo and had their photographs taken. Mr Antwi described the patronage of the scheme in the District as encouraging and urged other districts to do likewise.

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, a Deputy Minister of Information, in his inaugural address said the NHIS had a "comparative advantage over the cash and carry system" and urged the people to patronise it. Mr Asamoah Boateng said the government recognised the importance of quality health care delivery and would not compromise the scheme in favour of other considerations.

He noted that the numerous projects executed by the government nationwide and the enabling environment created for the people to improve their standard of living underscored its ability to deliver on promise.

Mr Asamoah Boateng urged the electorates to return the government to power to enable it to continue with the good work it had started. He reminded the various districts of the need to collect a minimum levy that would qualify them to enjoy a central government fund that would be disbursed in support of the Scheme.

Mr Thomas Edward Atakorah, District Chief Executive, said the scheme was a life saving initiative and asked those who had not paid their levy to do so without delay.

Nana Kwaku Amankwah, Krobo Abakomahene, who presided, commended the government for initiating a number of programmes including the NHIS and urged the people to work towards their sustenance.