Ghanaian pensioners are exploring alternative healthcare intervention
because they have lost confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme. The
senior citizens complain about what they describe as persistent frustration in
the hands of health service providers under the national healthcare policy. The
National Pensioners Association says it is partnering Liberty Mutual Health, a
private health insurance provider to address concerns of members. Maltreatment,
disrespect and verbal as well as psychological assaults from health workers sum
up the worry of these aged persons in the course of seeking healthcare.
Pensioners sometimes die of sickness health officials believe could be avoided
if they received proper care. This has prompted the need to look beyond the
public system to guarantee good quality healthcare for people who have served
the country in various capacities. Under the new scheme with a private insurer,
cost of surgery, laboratory investigations and ailments which are not covered
by the NHIS will be catered for. Members will pay 4 Ghana Cedis monthly as a
contribution to the scheme. General Secretary of the National Pensioners
Association, Edward Ameyibor, believes the scheme should provide a respite for
members. He stated that the National Health Insurance is unable to take care of
all their health needs. Over 55 pensioners nationwide will be registered under
the scheme which comes into effect in February, next year, after on-going
piloting in Northern Ghana. Officials are currently collating data from 16,000
members in the Ashanti Region. Business Development Manager at Liberty Mutual
Health, Franklin Gonweh is confident the scheme will compliment health
provision under the NHIS.
Source:Joy
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