People in Effutu asked to register with NHIS

Winneba(C/R), Nov. 5, GNA - Two health personnel of the Winneba Government Hospital have appealed to people in the community, to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable them access free medical care at the facility. Dr George Prah, a Traumacologist at the hospital and Mr Emmanuel Essandoh, Nursing Officer In-charge at the Casualty department of the hospital made the appealed at separates interview with the Ghana News Agency in Winneba.

According to them the inability of most of the patients who visited the hospital to register with the Health Insurance Scheme, was creating misunderstanding at the hospital. Mr Essandoh said most patients arrived at the casualty ward in conditions that need immediate attention to save their lives, but when the conditions become stable, they are found out not to have registered with the NHIS and also not in the position to settle their medical bills. Mr Essandoh said that "it would not be proper for nurses at department to demand money before given treatment to a patient who need immediately attention"

Citing October this year, as a case study, he said a total of about 200 patients who have not registered with the NHIS, arrived at his department and nurses at the place had it tough before they agreed to settle their bills ranging between 12.00 Ghana Cedis and 30.00 Ghana Cedis. He said when patients refused to pay their bills and abscond, the nurses who gave out the medications are held responsible. Dr. Prah on his part said the hospital does not have enough funds to pay for the medical bills for its patients who are unable to settle their bills. He urged the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health to intensify its education on health policies, to enable the public understand the programmes and policies of the Ministry. 5 Nov. 09