Birim South Health Insurance Scheme inaugurated

Akim Oda (E/R), Aug. 30,GNA- The Minister of Health, Dr Kweku Afriyie has charged managers of the National Health Insurance Schem ((NHIS), to ensure accountability in all their undertakings since the sustainability of the Scheme would depend on prudent management. In a speech read on his behalf, at the inauguration of the Birim South District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, at Akim Oda, Dr Afriyie cautioned the collectors of the premium to guard against financial irregularities.

He said the Scheme was decentralized to ensure quality health care for the people.

Dr Afriyie said workers who contributed to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, would not only be exempted from making additional contributions to the NHIS, but would also enjoy free health care after retirement.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah said it was the anticipation of the Government, that majority of Ghanaians particularly those living in the rural areas would experience appreciable improvement in their health status when the scheme became operational.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Felix Owusu-Agyepong, asked managers of the Health Insurance Fund to put in place efficient control measures to ensure that funds generated were expended judiciously.

The District Chief Executive, Mr Yaw Amprofi said 80 communities have so been sensitized on the need to join the Scheme.