NHIS Identification cards to be ready by July 15

Accra, May 16, GNA - Identification cards for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will be ready by July 15, to enable Ghanaians registered under the Scheme to reap the benefits.

Mr Ras Boateng, Executive Director of the Secretariat, who made this known during an interaction with the media in Accra on Tuesday, said the provision of the cards would be a major step in the implementation of the NHIS.

The media encounter was part of the opening of a four-day workshop on Governance, Management and Accounting for Board Chairpersons, Scheme Managers and Accountants of District Mutual Health Insurance Schemes (DMHIS).

The workshop was intended to enhance participants' understanding of the legislative and regulatory provisions and its implications for the insurance, equip them with tools for the effective management of the schemes including performance management, customer care and communication.

It will also promote the importance of good corporate governance and update their knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of the Boards as well as enhance their knowledge on the accounting requirements for the successful implementation of the DMHIS.

Mr Boateng said there was no uniformity in the operation of the 125 schemes so far registered throughout the country and the workshop would address that problem.

He said though the Scheme had fully taken off, there were challenges such as resources, a vibrant system to issue identification cards and office accommodation.

"We see these as challenges and not problems and the Secretariat is working to find solutions to them to make the scheme a success". Mrs Esther Offei Aboagye, Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies said it was necessary that quality health care got to the doorsteps of every Ghanaian adding, "Decentralization is then expected to facilitate the availability and affordability of health care".