On assumption of office in 2001, the government of New Patriotic Party thought it wise to introduce the National Health Insurance Scheme to make health care delivery accessible to the people

As little drops of water making a mighty ocean, this policy of the government is now a saviour to the disadvantaged in our societies.

One district that has a success story to tell on this life-saving policy is Savelugu/Nanton in the Northern Region of Ghana.

As of now, the entire membership of the scheme in the district stands at 55,341 representing about fifty one percent (51%) of the residents in the district.

Statistics at the district hospital also show a remarkable improvement in attendance from 25889 in 2005 to 31034 in 2006 and also from 31034 in 2006 to 31588 in 2007.

An interview with the scheme manager, Mr Abdullah Zakariah Sharijey, explained how that feat was achieved: That his outfit adopted effective communication strategy and a good client relationship by taking the prospective members through the process of registration, the dos and donts of the scheme and immense benefit they would derived as members.

The manager was particularly grateful to “SIMLI AID”, a local NGO at Dalung, in the Tolon/Kumbugu district for being very supportive by buying air time for him to answer myriad of questions bordering the minds of people on the health insurance policy through phone – in – programmes.

The health insurance policy has won the hearts of some non-governmental organisations operating in the district.

“TUMAKAVI”, Mother a local NGO assisted by paying premiums of some people. Rains – Regional Advisory Information Network Systems, also an NGO is in the process of paying premiums of some identifiable people as well.

“Any beautiful lady will definitely attract suitors,” says an adage. Work Mission – a Christian non-governmental organisation also came in by assisting in paying the premiums of residents in the communities affected by the Northern Flood Disaster in the District including Nabogu.

The manager stated that DANIDA, organizes training programmes for the core-staff of the scheme to keep them on their feet as well as the field officers to identify the core-poor people for assistance.

He disclosed that the NHIS, has been mandated to register the core-poor at the expense of the scheme and those below the age of eighteen (18) as well as the aged. So far, 40963 people in the district have benefited from this facility..

The manager paid glowing tribute to the District Assembly for its logistical and financial support at the earlier stages, adding that the policy is a service to the people.

Source: ISD (Bright Tay)

Posted:16/06/08 

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