Ghanaians asked not to play politics with NHIS

Dr Nii Adjei Adjetey, Director of the Agona West Ghana Health Service (GHS), has called on Ghanaians to stop playing politics with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He said the policy has attracted the interest of many households and therefore “it will not augur well to play politics with it since it will affect its effective development”.

Dr Nii Adjetey made the call when he addressed NHIS stakeholders’ meeting at Agona Swedru in the Central Region.

He said nothing untoward should be done to wane the interest and the confidence of the people.

He said notwithstanding the funding challenges facing the scheme, the masses continue to benefit from affordable and quality healthcare services.

“The system is thriving and we must as one people see to its progression rather than allowing politics to destroy its usefulness to the citizens, particularly to the vulnerable in the society.”

He said the policy is not collapsing as some people perceive it, adding that the wrong perception must cease on the radio stations.

Dr Nii Adjetey, however, called on the government for the early settlement of the outstanding claims to service providers to save them from the difficulties they go through.

He charged Community Health Provider Schemes officers to intensify community health education in their areas.

Mrs Nancy Ekyem, the Agona East Director of the GHS cautioned service providers who indulge in fraudulent practices to put an end to the act.

“Let me warn you that any dubious means you pass to collect money from the coffers of the NHIS will be exposed and dealt with accordingly,” she said.

Mrs Ekyem advised CHPS officers to refrain from prescribing anti-biotic drugs to the people who report with health challenges, but rather refer them to medical facilities for proper medical attention.

Mr Francis Oti Frimpong, Central Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority assured service providers in the area that the Authority is working vigorously to effect the settlement of their outstanding debts.

He said the body has intensified the biometric registration in the region to cover unregistered people.