Minister Satisfied With Health Scheme in Districts

Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Health on Friday expressed government's satisfaction at the response districts and communities have so far, accorded the Mutual Health Support Organisations under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

"It will surprise you to note that some of the districts that have started operating the scheme have contributed immensely to the programme," he said.

The Mutual Health Support Organisations under the National Health Insurance Scheme is responsible for the registration of people, collection and management of the insurance fund within their respective districts.

Talking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the operation of the scheme, Dr. Afriyie said Ejisu Juabeng District in Ashanti has raised 250 million cedis from 27,000 people who have paid fully while 3000 have partially paid for the year.

He also mentioned the District as one that has shown great commitment and support for the programme.

Dr Afryire said so far the Mutual Health Support Organisations are operating in 45 districts saying, "it takes time to put the necessary structures in place, however, I think its about time some of our journalists go to some of these areas to see things for themselves.

"The process is on going, it's only that the government is not taking delight in blowing this up just for people to see."

Mr Moses Dani Baah, Deputy Minister of Health said the Cash and Carry system would be scrapped by 2004 when by that time the Mutual Health Support Organisations would have been formed in all the 110 districts.

He said next year they hoped to cover about 40 districts and the rest 25 districts would be covered afterwards.

Mr Dani Baah said though the Insurance Scheme would be compulsory for all Ghanaians, enrolment would take time since it was not all the people who would be placed under one category. "The poor for instance must be considered."