Over 10,000 citizens provided with free NHIS - President Mahama

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Accra, Feb. 26, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama has stated that as part of government's commitment to the vulnerable, over ten thousand senior citizens have been provided with free national health insurance subscription in Greater Accra, Central and Eastern Regions.

He said this on Thursday while delivering the state of the nation's address in Accra.

He said senior citizens in most part of Greater Accra, including Chorkor, Labadi, Akoto Lante, Madina, Teshie and Nima would also benefit from the package.

Mr Dramani Mahama noted that in order to fulfill manifesto promises, the government has launched the Urban Elderly Welfare Card that would enable senior citizens of above 65 years to travel at half fare on Metro Mass Transit buses across the country.

"The welfare card also allows our aged priority access to many social institutions including banks and hospitals', he said.

He indicated that 1,200 senior citizens have been registered and had received their Urban Cards and are enjoying the benefits.

Speaking on orphanages, the President said, orphans and abandoned children find themselves in situations that leave them homeless and vulnerable to the activities of social miscreant.

This he said is unacceptable and for that reason 800 orphans have been removed from previously inhumane environments and hah been provided with shelter and care.

'Government is in discussion with the leadership of the federation for persons with disability to roll out this year, a new and suitable Youth Employment Model for 5,000 persons with disability', he noted.

He also said 150,000 of the poorest households will benefit from the LEAP programme this year.

GNA