Clergyman calls for State-Church collaboration in NHIS implementation

' Sunyani(B/A) Oct. 26 (Tachie Menson/ Lawrence Gyan) GNA - Most Reverend Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, Episcopal Chairman for Catholic Health Service and Bishop of Koforidua Diocese, on Wednesday reiterated the need for effective dialogue between the church and government at all levels concerning key policies bordering on the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He noted that the attempt to introduce capitation funding on a pilot basis in Ashanti Region without deep consultations on its effects and how to address them, as well as delays in paying service providers were all major concerns that could have dire consequences for health care delivery.

The Episcopal chairman said these could particularly threaten or collapse church health services delivery in the country without close consultation with major stakeholders.