Erase misconceptions on NHIS - Neequaye

Saltpond, Sept. 5, GNA - The Chairman of the Mfantseman Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, Mr Frank Neequaye, has appealed to the people of the district to erase their wrong conceptions about the scheme and pay the premium.

According to him the people saw the scheme as a political propaganda because they did not believe that paying a premium of 72,000 cedis would make it possible for them and their dependants below 18 years to enjoy free medical treatment.

Speaking to the GNA in an interview at Saltpond, Mr Neequaye said the people anxiety was aroused when it was reported recently that the schemes being operated in the Eastern Region had accumulated heavy debts.

He said thou gh the scheme had registered 21,860 people only 23 million cedis had been collected so far. Mr Neequaye said the well to do in society expected to contribute above the 72,000 cedis premium had refused to pay more. Nana Attapim Kwenu, Vice Chairman of the Scheme attributed the poor collection of the premium to political influence and the poor fishing season this year.

He said since diseases had no political barriers it was na=EFve for people to use political affiliation to refuse to patronise the scheme. Mr Godfred Gyebi Arthur the Scheme Manager said picture taking for ID cards had started and appealed to the people to take advantage of the exercise.

He appealed to the National Health Insurance Council to organise courses for all levels of personnel working on the scheme. Mr Francis Yankson, Public Relations Officer, appealed for logistics such as vehicles, public address systems and computers to facilitate work. 05 Sept 05