Unavailability of drugs could jeopardize NHIS

Jasikan/Hohoe, April 8, GNA - Participants at the People's Assembly held in the Volta Region, have observed that the perceived unavailability of drugs at the points of treatment for beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) could jeopardize patronage of the Scheme.

They alleged that apart from minor ailments such as headache and malaria, where clients could get ready prescription at the hospitals, drugs for other ailments could only be obtained from pharmacies or chemical shops.

They said this phenomenon had deflated confidence in the NHIS and called for investigation into the matter. This problem manifested during question time at the People's Assembly sessions at Kpando, Nkwanta, Kadjebi, Jasikan and Hohoe districts.

Mr Joseph Kwaku Nayan, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, responding, pledged to institute full-scale investigations into the issue. He assured the people that it could not have been sabotage but some of the teething problems in the implementation of the schemes, which would be addressed soon.

On the Representation of the Peoples' Amendment Law (ROPAL), Mr Nayan said there was no mischief in its passage and that the law was only a constitutional requirement to enfranchise Ghanaians in the Diaspora. He regretted that the minority in Parliament seemed to be opposing almost every bill proposed by the majority, but turn round to enjoy the full benefits from bills they vehemently opposed, including the HIPC. Mr Charles Tetteh, First-Vice Chairman of the Volta Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said Ghanaians abroad contributed about four billion dollars, as remittances to the economy and that it was only proper to allow them to play part in decision making, through voting in elections.

He said already Ghanaians studying under scholarship abroad, staff of diplomatic missions and soldiers on operations outside the country voted during elections.

Mr John Peter Amewu, Hohoe District Chief Executive said the district was embarking on a project to send tourism to the next level, since the district abounds in several tourism potential. Other questions were on the lack of good roads, potable water, frequent power outages and brain drain of professionals.