Few people patronise hospitals - MCE

Cape Coast Oct. 11 GNA - The Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Muniru Arafat Nuhu, on Friday said only few people patronise hospitals in spite of the importance government attaches to health issues.

He attributed the situation to ignorance and poverty and explained that this is the reason why the government is determined to implement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The MCE described the scheme as the "boldest decision" on the health needs of the country.

Mr Nuhu made the observation at the inauguration of a nine-member Drug And Therapeutic Committee (DTC) for the Central Regional Hospital at Cape Coast, under the theme, "Ensuring Continuous Review of the Quality and Cost Effectiveness of Clinical Therapy".

The committee, chaired by Dr Martin Morna, a Medical Administrator, is to develop a criteria for evaluating drugs for inclusion on the hospital formulary, provide optimal drug therapy through the development of standard treatment and to prevent unnecessary duplication of drugs.

The MCE reiterated the government's commitment to ensure that every citizen had access to health care without impediments. He said it would continue to pay priority attention to the health sector to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Mr Nuhu expressed his happiness that the hospital had set up an in-house mechanism to ensure that treatment costs are brought under control, since most people were scared away from health institutions because of the huge bills they anticipate.

He expressed the hope that the move would have a positive impact on the operation of the Health Insurance Scheme.

The MCE urged the committee to be diligent in their approach to duty, taking into consideration the financial status of client. He said the assembly would make provision in its 2004 development budget for repair works on some of the wards, which have been closed down.

Dr Aaron Offei, Regional Director of Health Services, said the committee would help to reduce the hospital's expenditure on drugs since only essential and cost effective ones would be selected.

He said about 40 per cent of the hospital's budget went into the purchase of drugs and reminded the committee, of the referral status of the hospital and to ensure that essential and affordable drugs were available.

The secretary to the committee, Mr. Ananga Yamyolia, described the committee as one of the most important in a clinical care institution if properly implemented.

He said would also help to eliminate unsafe and ineffective drugs to reduce morbidity and mortality.