The Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Constituency Prof. Mike Aaron Oquaye is calling for a review of the provision in the National Health Insurance Authority law which prohibits newly established health facilities from operating the scheme until after 6 months of operation.

According to Prof. Oquaye who is also the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, although that aspect of the NHIA Law is to avoid some poorly established facilities from offering substandard services and thereby exploit the scheme and clients, it could put investors out business, since they stand at losing out on their targeted clients.

Prof. Oquaye made these statements when he commissioned 'The Community Hospital' in the Ga East Municipal Assembly. Management of the ultra modern facility say their aim is to adopt Community outreach approach to educating residents within the Dome Kwabenya constituency, to reduce the outbreak of common and easily preventable diseases.

Speaking to Asempa news, Prof. Oquaye welcomed moves by authorities concerned to review some aspects of the NHIA Law but suggested that, the Authority should be flexible to exercise its discretion to overlook that aspect of the law which compels new health facilities to operate for at least 6 months before joining the Scheme.

He advised the community to keep their environment clean to prevent the outbreak of diseases. He noted that, government spends close to $720 million yearly on malaria related illnesses.

He remarked that if Ghanaians prevent common diseases, a lot can be saved to develop the country. 'We had to go and borrow $650 million to finance the Bui Dam project, so if we reduce malaria cases, the country can save much to build at least one hydro dam every year,' he stated.

There was free medical screening for hundreds of residents on Hepatitis, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Malaria, as part of activities to mark the opening of the 'The Community Hospital'.


Story by Jerry Tsatro Mordy/Asempa FM