Free NHIS for 3,000 head-porters
More than 3,000 female porters at Dagomba-line at Oforikrom in Kumasi have been registered freely on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
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The programme, organised by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Oforikrom Constituency, Madam Elizabeth Agyemang, was funded by the Office of the Administrator of the Common Fund and other philanthropists.
The registration exercise followed a recent visit to the area by the MP where she discovered that the potters needed health care but could not do so due to lack of funds to pay for their medical bills.
This compelled the MP to organise a free health screening which saw over 6000 of the females being screened for various health conditions after which those found with critical health conditions were referred to the Kumasi South, Manhyia, Tafo and the Komfo Anokye Teaching hospitals.
A total of 17 medical doctors, 28 nurses and eight pharmacists selected from the various health facilities in Kumasi and Accra took part in the exercise.
Speaking at the registration centre, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Mr Kojo Bonsu, who was on hand to give morale support to the MP said the issue of the potters needed a multi-sectorial approach before it could be solved.
He described as pathetic, the living conditions of the potters after inspecting their places of abode and pledged support of the KMA to improve upon the lighting system of the area, as well as sanitation conditions.
The MCE said he would liaise with the Israeli government to find support for the establishment of a crèche for the children of the potters to ease the burden of their parents to carry them at their back during their errands.
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Madam Elizabeth Agyemang, speaking to the Daily Graphic at the registration exercise, said the registration was aimed at ensuring that they were able to seek medical care when necessary.
She pledged to continue supporting the potters and said every effort was being made to link-up with other stake holders to get the best assistance for the potters, some of who want to go back to their hometowns.
The registration exercise was used to screen about 500 of the potters who could not be screened during the previous exercise which occurred about two weeks ago.
On hand were two medical doctors, one nurse and some dispensary staff to support them with their medication and prescriptions.
Spokesperson for the potters, Madam Nimatu Dawuda, on behalf of the potters, commended the MP, the MCE and other stakeholders for their support which had come to save them dearly.