Obuasi, May 11, GNA - A total of 27,013 people, mostly from the informal sector, have so far registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at Obuasi as at February ending. They are made up of 13,411 belonging to the age group of zero to 17 years, 12,820 from 18 to 69 years and 782 representing those at 70 and above.
Miss Edna Anokye, the Scheme Manager, told newsmen on Monday that even though those at 70 and above do not need to pay the premium, they still have to be registered so that they could be covered by the scheme. Miss Anokye said she was not encouraged by the rate of payment of the premium by those who had already registered. While 370 adults had fully paid, those who had made half payment were 720.
"Certain groups of people are saying the scheme may not work since they paid for the supply of water and something else which is not forthcoming."
Miss Anokye said the premium collectors are also complaining that the commission of 10 per cent was not enough.
"In certain areas people are saying that they have registered but they do not have slips to effect payments and this calls for the updating of the registration which we are yet to do". Miss Anokye said 350 institutions and companies are yet to be registered but "currently we have taken forms to AngloGold Ashanti, Mining and Building Contractors (MBC) and Anyinam Lodge among others.'' 011 May 05
