NHIS has increased attendance at the hospital

Atibie (E/R), Feb. 6, GNA - The introduction of the Okwahuman Health Insurance Scheme(OHIS) in the Kwahu South and West Districts three years ago has led to tremendous increase in patients' attendance at the Kwahu Government Hospital at Atibie.

Out-Patients Department (OPD) attendance went up from 38,055 patients in 2004 to 42,106 patients last year, an increase of ten per cent, while delivery also increased by 12 per cent, from 1,285 in 2004 to 1,450 last year, with admission also going up from 4,620 patients in 2004 to 4,976 patients in 2005, a 7 per cent increase. The Medical Superintendent in-charge of the hospital, Dr Isaac Osabutey, announced this at the end-of-year get-together of the staff of the hospital at Atibie on Saturday.

He, however, expressed concern about the maternal mortality problem in the district, saying seven out of the 1,450 women who delivered at the hospital last year, lost their lives in "circumstances beyond the control of the hard working medical staff of the hospital."

Dr. Osabutey urged the health officials to educate pregnant women to attend antenatal clinic regularly to help reduce maternal death at the hospital.

He commended the hospital staff for their hard work, which he noted, had improved quality health care resulting in overall reduction in general case fatality rate by 14 per cent from 2004 to 6.1 per cent last year The District Director of Health Services, Dr. Joseph Larbi Opare, advised them to be patient with all patients who visit the hospital and keep their personal data confidential.

He said 50 mosquito-treated net centres have been set up in the district for people to go there to treat their mosquito-infected nets to reduce the spread of malaria in the district.

Ten staffs, including two retired workers, who had served the hospital with dedication, were presented with awards including television sets, a refrige, certificates and undisclosed amounts. The best worker award went to Mrs Comfort Ankude, a nursing officer, who received a 20-inch television set and a certificate. The staff at the hospital appealed for more doctors to be posted to the hospital since the current four doctors could not cater for the large number of patients who visit the hospital daily for medical treatment.