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Regional News of Tuesday, 15 April 2008

Source: GNA

Government exploring alternatives to raise women enrolment in NHIS - Oboshie

Koforidua, April 15, GNA - Mrs Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Minister of Information and National Orientation has reiterated the need for women to enrol in National Health Insurance scheme as a measure to curb the increasing cases of mothers being detained at health facilities for non-payment of medical bills. Mrs Sai-Cofie made this point after offering to pay a total of GH¢1,713.06 being medical bills of nine mothers who were detained at the Koforidua Regional Hospital for non-payment after giving birth.

Mrs Sai-Cofie who was on a working visit to the Hospital, said her Ministry would partner with other relevant agencies to work out alternatives to encourage more women to enrol in the insurance scheme. She interacted with some patients on the NHIS with a view to addressing possible challenges facing them in relations to the system. Many patients complained about delays at the NHIS desk and called on the authorities to provide additional computers for the scheme implementers to enhance their effectiveness and delivery to clients. Dr Obeng Apori, Director-in-charge of the Hospital, described the NHIS as one of the thoughtful policies being pursued by government to improve on the health of the people and bring about increased productivity.