By Ewoenam Kpodo
Klikor (VR), Feb 20, GNA – Torgbui Tsifokpe, Chief of Klikor Afuta, Ketu South, in a move to prioritise the health and wellbeing of his subjects, has enrolled about 2,000 residents onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Torgbui’s initiative, made possible with the collaboration of the Municipal National Health Insurance Authority and with the support of some friends and some corporate organisations, aimed to ensure that residents of the community have access to quality healthcare services.
The NHIS, a social intervention programme introduced in 2003 to provide equitable access and financial coverage for basic healthcare services to people resident in the country, allows a subscriber to access services or medicines/treatments that are covered under the Scheme’s benefits package at credentialed healthcare facilities, for free.
Speaking at the enrollment event in the community, Torgbui Tsifokpe said the decision to enroll his subjects onto the NHIS was motivated by the need to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on his people, aimed at impacting their general wellbeing.
He noted that seeing to the development needs of his people, including health, was of great concern to him and that he intended championing that for the common good of the community.
“Gone were the days when our forebears fought wars to bequeath to us the land we now occupy,” Torgbui Tsifokpe, said
He however, added: But, we don’t fight such wars anymore. As chiefs now, we fight against diseases, poverty and illiteracy. So, I, Torgbui Tsifokpe and my Queen, Mama, the overall wellbeing of our subjects remains our priority.
“And this enrollment exercise is for access to quality healthcare services.
“In July, I’m hoping to bring in some health experts from the diaspora. They will come with what we call, mobile hospital to attend to your health needs. Those of you who will require further medical attention can use your NHIS card to visit the health facilities to access healthcare.”
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Chief for the initiative and wished for him to live long.
Madam Peace Adadey, one of the beneficiaries and the first to get enrolled said, “I’m so grateful to Torgbui for the card. I can now confidently visit any health facility to access healthcare without having to worry so much about my finances.”
Madam Marifatu Braimah, a retired nurse, commended Torgbui for his intervention saying, it would help save lives of community members.
“A lot of people avoid visiting the hospital when sick due to financial challenges,” Madam Marifatu said, adding, “NHIS has benefits. It will save a lot.
“I’ll advise beneficiaries to always remember to renew their cards annually so as to have access to the needed healthcare without suffering financial hardship.”
GNA