Send suggestions on the National Health Insurance Bill- Dr Bonney

Offinso (Ash), July 16, GNA- A health specialist has appealed to Ghanaians to study the National Health Insurance Bill which is before Parliament and submit memoranda on it.

Dr Joe Bonney, Ashanti Regional Team Leader of the Partners for Health Reform (PHR-Plus), said people should let their views be heard on matters that concern them.

He was speaking at a workshop on the Offinsoman Mutual Health Organisation (MHO) at Offinso in Ashanti on Tuesday The PHR-Plus is providing technical support for the establishment of the scheme, which is in collaboration between the Offinso Traditional Council and the district assembly.

''The idea of health insurance is a noble one and should, therefore, be freed from politicisation. Community participation and support are important for the development and sustenance of the scheme'', Dr Bonney said.

Mr J.Y. Oduro, the District Chief Executive (DCE), said the scheme would cover the whole district.

He said there were some issues in the Health Insurance Bill that needed to be thoroughly discussed for the smooth and successful implementation of the scheme.

He mentioned the registration and licensing of the MHOs as some of the areas to be critically examined. Nana Wiafe Akenten III, Omanhene of the Offinso Traditional Area, appealed to the people in the area to accept the challenge of making the scheme successful.