General News of Tuesday, 3 February 2004
Source: GNA
Bolgatanga, Feb. 3, GNA - The cost of anti-retroviral drugs and treatment for HIV/AIDS are not included in the benefits provided under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and would, therefore, not be catered for, Dr Joseph Amankwah, Upper East Regional Director of Health Services has said.
Briefing the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) on the Scheme at a meeting in Bolgatanga, Dr Amankwah said the issue of anti-retroviral care would come under a separate package that would be outlined later. He indicated that organ transplant including heart surgery, provision of artificial denture, elective abortion, cash reimbursement and travelling abroad for treatment are also not covered by the scheme. "The vision of the new system is to ensure equitable universal access for all residents of Ghana to an acceptable quality of essential health services without out-of-pocket payment being demanded at the point of service use," he explained.
He said the provision of pharmaceutical and ambulance services, medical care, and oral health are as some of the general services available under the NHIS.
The Regional Director said the scheme would make healthcare delivery in the country very efficient and that there would be no room for complaints of shortage of drugs or absence of medical doctors at the point of service delivery.
To this end, only certified health institutions and well-established pharmacies would qualify to provide services under the scheme.
Dr Amankwah announced that the Builsa, Kassena-Nankana and Bawku West Districts in the Upper East Region were among the 42 districts nationwide to pilot the scheme and urged the respective District Chief Executives (DCEs) to accord it the needed support for a successful take-off.
On the progress of implementation of the NHIS in the Region, Dr Amankwah indicated that a regional technical team, as well as district taskforces had already been formed to facilitate the scheme's implementation locally.
Dr Amankwah advocated the formation of a Regional Oversight Committee to monitor the Scheme's implementation. There should also be an improvement in the flow of information between the Regional Coordinating Council and District Assemblies, as well as the Regional and District Health Administrations to avoid duplication.