Monday, March 8, 2010

YAMOA-PONKOH HOPEFUL FOR ASHANTI NHIS (PAGE 11, GRAPHIC NSEMPA, MARCH 8, 2010)

By Kwame Asare Boadu, Kumasi

THE Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr Afrifa Yamoa-Ponko, has stated that there is nothing to fear about the operation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the region.
He said the loopholes that allowed some unscrupulous people to dupe the scheme had been sealed and everything pointed to the smooth operation of the scheme.
He stated this in an interview with the Graphic Nsempa after leading staff of the various schemes in the region to undertake a two-hour clean-up exercise at the Suntreso Hospital in Kumasi.
The clean-up formed part of the NHIA’s activities to mark the 53rd independence anniversary,
The staff spent about two hours to clear weeds and choked drains, swept the premises and removed rubbish at various corners of the hospital.
The clean up idea was mooted by the NHIA as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
However, the regional office wants to make it a monthly affair where a health institution will be selected as the beneficiary on the last Saturday of the month.
Mr Yamoa-Ponko described the exercise as very successful and commended the staff for their commitment towards environmental cleanliness.
He noted that if the people lived in clean environments, the incidence of diseases would be minimised.
Mr Yamoa-Ponko said the NHIA must not only concentrate on collecting premiums, and the undertaking of payments to service providers.
“We must find ways of preventing diseases so that the little monies available can be saved for other purposes,” he said.
Mr Yamoa-Ponko indicated that the health of the people was very crucial to building a successful nation and the NHIA had a role to play in it.
Mr Abora Owusu, the hospital Administrator, commended the NHIA staff for their effort
He said it was a positive move for the NHIA to take interest in the prevention of diseases.
He said the hospital would ensure good working relationship with other partners in health delivery.

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