The annually convened stakeholder forum reviews and adjusts prices of medicines the NHIA pays to its service providers.

The review is to ensure that prices the NHIA pays for medicines on the NHIS Medicines List reflect market and economic realities.

Medicines constitute a big part of NHIA’s expenditure with almost 50% of its total claims spending going into medicines for the 2015 year. It has been argued that an efficient medicine supply chain would translate to cost savings for the NHIS.

Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Martha Lutterodt, who chaired the forum on behalf of the Health Minister at last Wednesday’s programme, announced that as part of the drug procurement processes, the Ministry is adopting the framework contracting model to bolster efficiency in the country’s procurement of medicines which will subsequently help drive down prices.

She underscored the importance of the event as an annual statutory requirement that sought to create a platform for dialogue on the prices of medicines in order to determine realistic prices for medicines as this has a direct correlation with the sustainability of the NHIS.

“The NHIS is a national asset and belongs to all of us therefore we must ensure that the prices they pay for medicines are realistic as it impacts directly on the sustainability of the scheme. The scheme remains vital to families in both urban and rural areas and must be safeguarded” she said.

The Director of Provider Payment at the NHIA, Anthony Gingong, in his remarks emphasized how the NHIA valued the cordial relationship it has with its stakeholders and the need for regular and timely review of medicines on the NHIS and their prices.

Acknowledging the contributions of stakeholders in the Medicines List review process, Mr. Gingong stressed the NHIA’s commitment to continue working with the stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain to ensure quality medicines are accessible and affordable to the Scheme.

A technical committee has been constituted to finalize the document, taking note of all suggestions made at the stakeholder meeting after which a report will be presented to the NHIA Management for onward delivery to the Minister of Health for approval.

The NHIS has 517 different formulations of medicines on its list for all conditions covered under the Scheme’s benefit package.

The Stakeholder meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Ghana National Drugs Program, Ghana Medical Association, Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, Food and Drugs Authority, Chamber of Pharmacy and a host of other agencies.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NHIA meets stakeholders to review prices of listed medicines for 2017 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The blog tries to take the reader on a tour through a man’s mental composition at the moment the man’s girlfriend, or sexual partner blurts out the dreaded “I am pregnant” phrase.
This is my second time reading this article and I must say it is quite intriguing.

Besides the fundamental point of it being a beautifully woven piece and does indeed allows the reader into the deepest recesses of a man’s faculties at the material time, it is also practically easy to relate to. I personally find myself living the story, having had to listen; just listen, to the excruciating story of a friend (not the proverbial) whose “sweet gentleman” suddenly turned the monster because she “stupidly” got pregnant.

Kwadjo has some real time advice for the guys. He says, “Sex leads to babies. It is that simple. You had sex and a month or so later, here you are. It is not a mistake, it is not an immaculate conception.  The swimmer you unleashed in her is your handiwork.  Take responsibility immediately especially if you have no doubt that the baby is yours. She needs you to take responsibility to make the situation manageable for her.  Say the three simple words she needs to hear. “I am responsible.” Follow that statement with, “We will get through this situation together.”

He wasn’t just advising, in my considered opinion. He had been there and knew what was right; at least from a man’s perspective. And this is what makes Kwadjo Panyin, the “bachelor” relationship blogger a good read. He brings to life his experiences in his write ups. He unravels the challenges that confront his personal search for a partner in a manner that many can easily relate with. Interestingly, Kwadjo isn’t just single, he was once married. And so when he writes “an open letter to my married friends”, you should expect an intricate blend of perspectives.

I am a woman and I have more than once tried to figure out what goes on through a man’s mind during some moments. Granted, I would never be able to tell but for Kwadjo skill which makes it easy to tell through his use of simple everyday language that presents it as it is. Just checkout “5 things men do not wish to hear during sex” or “Ladies do you want to know what men think about your sex toys” and you will appreciate my ranting about his writings.
I accidentally ran into the musingsofanafricanbachelor.com on facebook, and have since been an admirer. On the other hand, I wondered how long this man was going to stay single to write about bachelorhood. I didn’t have to wait for long to read about his travels around the world, his culinary skills (or is it the lack of it?), and the poems (my favourite, “Ode to the African Queen”). It is no wonder that over 27,000 others have liked his page in its very short span.

Well, it isn’t all about what men think, or heartbreaks and breakups. Kwadjo seems to love controversy too and so delves into notorious topics like “the problems with no sex before marriage” rule. This however lands him the most bashes from the “chrifs”. Nonetheless his bluntness and say-it-as-it-is posture is admirable.

And to think this is a man who blogs for fun. Currently based in Los Angeles, California, Kwadjo relocated to the United States over 20 years ago to pursue his education which led to the start of a career as a business professional with close to two decades of working experience in corporate America. He has a bachelor’s degree and two masters’ degrees.

Writing, blogging, world travel and photography are his favorite hobbies.
Be advised however, his long and winding style may put you off at first but once you start, you may not be able to pause until you’re done reading. They say narration is the hallmark of creativity, and he’s sure got it.

I surely do recommend to you, a daily read of the relationship blogger, Kwadjo Panyin at musingsofanafricanbachelor.com.

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By: Eugenia Tenkorang/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post The Musings of an African Bachelor; A Review appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Commission says this to check reports of over-voting from certain polling stations.

“It has come to the attention of the Commission that several possible instances of over voting have allegedly occurred at a number of polling stations. As a result of this, the Electoral Commission has decided to review all results from the collation centres  and verify them against the physical pink sheets from polling station,” a statement from the EC said.

The EC further indicated that it will determine the appropriate actions to take if it is able to determine if any cases of over voting occurred in any polling station.

“…On verification of, and in line with, established administrative procedures the EC is able to determine if any over voting occurred in any polling station. Should any discrepancy occur the commission will meet to determine the appropriate actions.”

“To ensure the integrity of the results of this Election thus multiple verification process is required. We call for patience and calm from all voters as the EC ensures that the Election Results are in fact a true reflection of the will of the people,” the statement added.

The statement from the EC is below

PRESS RELEASE:

It has come to the attention of the Commission that several possible instances of over voting have occurred at a number of polling stations. As a result of this the Electoral Commission has decided to review all results from the collation centers and verify them against the physical pink sheets from the polling stations.

The verification process is now in several stages before results will be certified:

1. Receipt of manual faxes from the collation centers.
2. Comparison of faxed summary results with the Electronic Results Transfer data
3. Comparison of the constituency collation sheets
4. Final comparison with the polling station pink sheets.

On verification of, and in line with, established administrative procedures the EC is able to determine if any over voting occurred in any polling station. Should any discrepancy occur the commission will meet to determine the appropriate actions

To ensure the integrity of the results of this Election thus multiple verification process is required. We call fro patience and calm from all voters as the EC ensures that the Election Results are in fact a true reflection of the will of the people.

In the interim the EC will be releasing the constituency summary results subject to the above verification process.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post EC to review results to check over-voting appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.