The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners says it will only reverse its decision not to treat NHIS card bearers if the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) clears all outstanding arrears owed it.
[contextly_sidebar id=”CYJhCFRNCGKS591TmAk9c6CjFZllEpRz”]The Association has issued a directive to its members across the country to begin using the cash and carry system on Monday.
National President of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, Dr Kwesi Odoi Agyarko told Citi News on Monday that they have instructed all of its 300 members across the country not to attend to NHIS card holders until all monies are paid.
“We sounded the warning to the NHIA long ago to pay the money to enable us work efficiently. We have not been paid for close to nine months. How do they (NHIA) expect us to work when they (NHIA) is still indebted to us,” Dr Kwesi Odoi Agyarko asked.
Although the government has announced it will release 180 million Ghana Cedis, to the NHIA to enable it pay part of the more than 460 million cedis owed service providers, the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, which is just one of several associations demanding its claims says, it won’t budge until the money hits its accounts.
“Well, we are happy that the government is releasing the 180 million Ghana cedis to enable the NHIA settle our debts.
We welcome it but until our own share of the money is deposited in our accounts, we will not offer services to National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) card bearers.
Cash and Cary system in full swing
Citi News checks have revealed that some hospitals have started implementing the cash and carry system.
The Akatsi District Hospital has instructed all patients to pay cash for treatment and drugs.
A source at the hospital tells Citi News a meeting was held with the chiefs of the area before the announcement was made.
The source added that hospital was forced to introduce the Cash and Carry system because of unpaid claims by the NHIA.
It says the hospital has currently run out of many drugs necessitating the sale to patients. Attempts by Citi News to reach the hospital administrator on measures being put in place have proved futile.
By: Pearl Akanya Ofori /Citifmonline .com/Ghana
Follow @pearlakanya