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Story by; Vincent Kweku Afriyie
The Central Regional Operations Manager for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has cautioned health providers to refrain from charging unapproved fees at health centers when members visit their facilities. He stated that extorting money from NHIS members discourages them from renewing their membership when it becomes inactive.
Mr. Deku Otoo spoke at the 2024 mid-year stakeholders meeting held by the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District NHIS on Thursday, August 22, 2024. The event, themed "The Copayment Challenge: A Threat to Quality Health Care and Universal Health Coverage," brought together various stakeholders, including NHIS staff, healthcare professionals, the public, and the media.
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Some of the participants at the meeting |
Mr. Otoo asserted that extorting money, termed copayment, poses a significant threat to the scheme, despite its importance to vulnerable and less privileged members of society. Furthermore, he revealed that NHIS has implemented measures to alleviate the burden on the public, including automatic renewal for SSNIT contributors on the scheme and waiving registration and renewal fees for the elderly.
He urged the public to have confidence in the scheme, emphasizing that it has enabled many people to seek medical attention at minimal or no cost.
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Dr Abena Essia Donkor - CPC Director |
Dr. Abena Essia Donkor, Director of the Claims Processing Centre (CPC) in Cape Coast, underscored that health providers receive their claims promptly when submitted on time. She noted that those with outstanding claims may face specific challenges requiring the center's attention.
The District Manager, Rev. Godfred Gyebi-Arthur, reiterated the need for healthcare providers to avoid copayment, stating it deters people from renewing their insurance when inactive. He announced plans for the introduction of e-pharmacy to facilitate the identification of approved pharmacies for prescribed medications.
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Rev. Godfred Gyebi-Arthur - NHIS District Manager |
Meanwhile, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Stephen Bennett, commended the District NHIS for organizing the program, stating that the NHIS is a beneficial policy for many impoverished individuals in the country and should be protected regardless of political or social backgrounds.
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Hon Stephen Bennett |