Stop NHIS capitation now – GMA warns gov’t

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has kicked against government’s attempt to rollout the capitation mode of paying the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims across the country. The GMA claimed the capitation system being piloted in the Ashanti Region has woefully failed for which reason it should not be rolled out to cover the entire country. It is against this backdrop the GMA has reiterated its call on government to suspend it in the Ashanti Region. Its President, Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Adusei made the call at the end of the GMA’s 4th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Tamale. He described the capitation system as a misplaced priority which should be abolished to save the NHIS from total collapse. According to him, NHIS subscribers in the Ashanti Region have since the introduction of the capitation system being paying extra cost for health services. He revealed that the NHIA has for the past seven months not reimbursed health service providers across the country. This, according to Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Adusei has created mistrust between management of most health facilities and their suppliers. He served notice of the GMA’s preparedness to collaborate with Organized Labour to demand proper management of the Tier two pensions of its members. On the cholera epidemic, Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Adusei chided government for “doing little” to control the health hazard which has so far claimed thousands of lives. He further raised alarm on sub-standard drug manufacturers who are using the mass media to deceive the general public. Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Adusei reminded regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (MDC) to be proactive in flushing out quack drug dealers in the country. Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GMA, Dr. Frank Ankobea confirmed to Citi News that operators of private health facilities in the region have reverted to cash and carry because of the capitation system. Dr. Frank Ankobea said private health facilities will continue to charge patients for extra cost so long as the capitation system continued. He explained that proceeds from the capitation system were inadequate to provide quality health care delivery to patients in the region. It will be recalled that the introduction of the capitation system led to several mass street protests by residents of the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi. Some Members of Parliament from the region participated in the protests.

Source:Citifmonline.com