Tepa (Ash), Jan. 31, GNA - About 60 out of a total number of patients admitted at the Tepa Government Hospital last year bolted without paying their bills after treatment, leaving the hospital with a 2.1 million cedis debt.

Mr Yaw Ernest Bediako, the Hospital accountant, who disclosed this said the situation, was a source of worry to the hospital and hoped the introduction of the District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme would take care of the problem in the hospital.

Speaking at a send-off party organised by the hospital management and the Tepa Traditional Council at Tepa last Saturday in honour of the out-going Cuban medical officer, Dr Angel Miguel. He explained that where the hospital could locate the patients who bolted without paying their bills, it sends people to collect the money.

The worrying situation, Mr Bediako said, however, was with the settler farmers who were difficult to locate since they constantly changed their places of abode.

He therefore, called on all and sundry in the district to join the scheme so as to avoid such unpleasant situations.

Dr Kofi Nyarko Mensah, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, suggested increasing the number of years for Cuban doctors serving in the country from two to three years in recognition of their dedication to duty and spirit of voluntarism.

He said the extension would enable the doctors to give of their best when they get to know the environment better and the common diseases in the localities they serve after the first two years of their service.

He pointed out that it was not easy to practise medicine in a foreign land but said with professional consciousness, patience and dedication, Dr Miguel proved equal to the task and won the hearts of both the hospital staff and almost all the people who came into contact with him.

Dr Miguel expressed appreciation for the honour done him and said the health delivery services in Ghana was one of the best in Africa and hoped that when the mutual health insurance scheme becomes fully operational, health delivery in the country will improve tremendously.