Passage of National Health Insurance Bill reprogrammed

Accra, July 25, GNA - Parliament has reprogrammed the passage of the National Health Insurance Bill following the advice of the leadership of the Joint Committee on Health and Finance in consultation with the Business Committee.

A statement in Accra signed by Jones Kugblenu, Public Affairs Director, said the House last week anticipated the early completion of work on the Bill and fixed the passage by Friday, July 25, 2003. However, fresh memoranda received by the Committee enjoined it to request for additional days to look at the issues raised and to present a final report to the House.

The statement said by the new arrangement, therefore, Parliament would reconvene between August 18 and 22 to consider the Committee's report and the Bill.

The object of the Bill is to put in place a mechanism that would enable residents in Ghana to obtain at least basic health care service without having to pay for it at the point of delivery.