Community pleads for a speed up of NHIS accreditation

The chiefs and people of Nkrumah, a predominantly farming community in the Atwima-Mponua District, have appealed to the health authorities to speed up the health insurance accreditation of a Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound built for them.

The facility treats patients strictly on the basis of “cash and carry” and does not accept National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards because it has not been accredited and this, the people say, is denying many people access to quality healthcare.

The sick in the town and other surrounding communities, who are insurance card holders, are forced to travel long distances to Nyinahin and Nkawie to receive treatment.

Mr. Iddrisu Salifu, the assembly member, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), that this was defeating the very purpose of the CHPS compound, to bring health care closer to the people.

He said the situation was completely unacceptable and not helpful to health emergencies.

Reporters of the GNA had gone to the place under STAR-Ghana’s sponsored media auditing and tracking of development projects, an initiative launched to put a spotlight on how government’s resources were helping to transform the lives of the people, particularly the rural population.

The goal is to aid transparency, promote accountability and good local governance.

The facility was put up by the district assembly to serve the health needs of people at Nkrumah, Pakyi, Kofihiakrom, Betinko, Amadaa, Mmofranfadwen, Anpemkrom and several others.

It was hailed as the end to the trauma and stress the sick go through due to the bad nature of the road linking the area with Nyinahin, but its non-acceptance of the NHIS card has left many disappointed.

Mr Salifu said the expectation was that the appropriate authorities would act quickly to get the facility accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

He said things must be hastened to enable the people to enjoy the full benefits.