Mortality rates decline in E/R

Ayirebi (ER), Dec. 1, GNA- The introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), is having a positive impact on the rate of morbidity in some districts in the Eastern Region.

Information available to the Ghana News Agency indicates that only two per cent of those registered with the scheme in the Birim North District died in 2006 as compared to 8 per cent of non- registered persons.

Similarly, records at the Akuapem South Mutual Health Insurance office shows that all 204 deaths recorded at the Nsawam Hospital, in the first half of this year, were not registered with the scheme. Also significant about the Akuapem South District is the fact that only 803 people representing 17.7 per cent of insured persons as against 4,540 of their non-insured counterparts were admitted at the hospital during the period.

Explanations' being given for this upbeat feat is the fact that registered members of the NHIS are more likely to report to hospital earlier for treatment, and therefore are most likely to receive treatment to prevents complications that ultimately leads to death. To maintain the trend, the Ntiamoah Foundation, an NGO operating in the Akyem Bosome and Akyem Abuakwa area of the Eastern Region is investing in programmes bothering on wellness and health. At a programme witnessed by the Eastern Region Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram-Asiedu on Thursday at Akyem Ayerebi, the NGO paid the health premiums of 1,300 indigents from 52 communities in the Birim North District estimated at over 150 million cedis.

The payment, according to Mrs Vivian Bernasko, Executive Director of the Foundation was to enable the recipient access quality health care, and reiterated the willingness of her organization to co-operate with the District Assembly to see to the realization of this objective. According to Mrs Bernasko, a baseline study undertaken by her outfit in the area reveals high levels of poverty as well as poor health infrastructure in the district.

She said a recent donation of an ambulance to the health directorate in the Birim North was to help save lives during critical health situations.

The Regional Minister, Mr Afram-Asiedu expressed his appreciation of the efforts by the Foundation and urged organizations and individuals to partner government in bringing about positive changes in the standard of living of rural dwellers.