Minister inaugurates Task Team on NHIS

Busua (W/R) Aug. 24 -GNA-Mr. Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has noted with concern that the slow implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was creating anxiety among the citizenry. He said the NHIS was a very important health remedy, which was introduced by the Government, and all efforts must be made to ensure its successful implementation.

Mr. Aidoo said these at the inauguration of a 10-member Regional Task Team (WRTT) on the NHIS at Busua on Wednesday.

He said the WRTT would coordinate the activities of all schemes in the region and submit periodic reports to the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC). Mr. Aidoo stressed that the team would be expected to visit all the schemes in the region and ensure that their activities conform to lay down procedures.

The Regional Minister reminded members of the team that they are expected to work hard for the realisation of the objectives of the NHIS. The task team is under the chairmanship of Mr. James Ohemeng Kyei, Regional Pharmacist.

Other members are Mr. Seth Apawudza of the RCC, Mr. Godwill Domie, Dr. Francis B. Takyi, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai district, Dr. Jack Galley, Juaboso District Director of Health Services and Mrs Sarah Van Ess, Senior Pharmacist, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.

The rest are Mr. Edwin Kumbatadzie, Regional Health Education Officer, Mrs Esther Anyidoho, Regional Training Unit of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Ellis Ankomah, National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) and Ms. Edna Nyame, Regional Director National Commission on Women and Development (NCWD).

Mr. Kyei on behalf of members said the team would embark on a massive membership drive to ensure that more people join the scheme. He said only 20 per cent of the population of the Western Region have so far registered to join the scheme.

He said chiefs and other opinion leaders; the NCCE and the Information Services Department (ISD) would be used intensively to educate the people.

Mr. Kyei stressed that since many people cannot access health care in the country, the team would move quickly and assist in making health care delivery accessible to all Ghanaians.