Maternal, infant health services still free
The Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, Mr Bawa Nurideen, has described as wrong, the perception that the national health insurance capitation has increased infant and maternal mortality rate in the region.
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He said currently, maternal and infant services such as anti-natal visits, deliveries and post natal care, were not under capitation.
“Such services are free for clients so there is no way someone could be charged for these services,” he pointed out.
Mr Nurideen, who was speaking to the Daily Graphic in Kumasi, said the perception did not have any basis.
Explaining the modalities of capitation, he said healthcare services were paid for even before patients sought medical care.
He said under the Ghana-Diagnostic Related Drugs (G-DRG), the cost of drugs used on patients, as well as inpatients bills were submitted to the scheme for payment.
The regional manager also said it was untrue that the capitation had brought hardships to health facilities, adding that health facilities were happier with the grant than they were with the cash and carry system.
On laboratory services, Mr Nurideen said most laboratory tests were covered by capitation and mentioned renal test, hepatitis, liver function, lipid profile, widal, malaria, full blood count, among others.
