KDMHIS signs contractual agreements with health providers in Keta

Keta (V/R), Oct. 25, GNA - Mr Edward Kofi Ahiabor, Keta District Chief Executive (DCE) has noted that lack of transparency and commitment on the part of district mutual health insurance management teams and allied agencies could be the greatest danger to the scheme. He, therefore, advised the Keta District Mutual Health Insurance Management Scheme (KDMHIS) and health service providers to be opened and accountable beyond reproach in their dealings to increase confidence and participation of people in the scheme.

"Your hard work and openness, will nurture the scheme to become sustainable in responding to the goal of making health care delivery affordable and accessibility to all, especially the poor," Mr Ahiabor stated.

Addressing the contractual agreement signing ceremony between KDMHIS and 12 health service providers in the district, as part preparations for the schemes to take off, Mr Ahiabor pledged the assembly's support and commitment to the schemes' implementation. The DCE also advised the facilities to be more people friendly by invoking the Florence Nightingale's work spirit in their duties to attract the confidence and trust of the people. Dr Atsu Seake-Kwawu, Keta District Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) welcomed the prepayment delivery scheme, saying, with commitment, it could boost the internally generated funds of the health care delivery institutions.

He also reiterated that the flexibility on the part of stakeholders was paramount in making the ultimate beneficiaries to derive the maximum benefit.

Mr George Sallah, acting Manager of the scheme said 7,079 out of 146,852 residents had so far registered under the scheme in the district.

He said 83.7 million cedis in registration fees and premiums from the informal sector applicants had been mobilized since April, 2004, adding that, the processing of identity cards had also taken off with mock operations slated for December this year, while actual work would commence in January next year. The heads of the Keta District Hospital, Abor Catholic Hospital and 10 other health centres and clinics in the district entered into the contractual agreement with the KDMHIS.