Health-care reform: Can it be done in this climate? Nov 17, 2008
"Everyone's waste is someone's excess," said Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo, co-founder of Latinos for National Health Insurance and an associate professor of medicine and health at Columbia University. "Right now, you have a lot of people making tons of money off a dysfunctional system.". (Meriden Record-Journal)
Lack of access to medicines cause millions of deaths in Africa Nov 17, 2008
She said " In Ghana, the strategy to deliver accessible and affordable health care to all residents especially the poor and vulnerable through National Health Insurance is part of government policy for dealing with poverty in Ghana through access to health". Dr. Ashietey said government was committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Mutual Health Insurance programme. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Retain the NPP in power for continuity - Aspirant MP Nov 16, 2008
Dr Opoku-Prempeh enumerated the NPP programmes such as the Metro-Mass Transport programme, the School Feeding Programme, and the National Health Insurance Scheme and said they had reduced the burden on Ghanaians. Commenting on NPP campaign, he noted that it had gathered momentum and that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would "crush under the weight of the great elephant". (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Akufo-Addos Utopian Campaign Promises in Perspective Nov 16, 2008
He has also promised free universal health coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme and free school feeding for all primary school children in the country within his first term of office. The promise on Rrobably not too strange to be coming from the very candidate who has also promised he would move our third world society to a first world status by the end of his two terms of office. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Connextions names official for health unit Nov 15, 2008
ConnextionsHealth assists national health insurance plans with acquiring, retaining and servicing members. Pecci has served in numerous executive and senior management positions. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Just wondering Nov 15, 2008
My husband was in the hospital in the U.K. (a national health insurance country) last spring. The care was fast and efficient, the room was nice (private room), the food was excellent, and three specialists ran extensive tests to determine the problem. (Longview Daily News, WA)
* Hoax NYT announces end of Iraq war Nov 14, 2008
The elaborate 14-page spoof, dated July 4, next year, had stories on a raft of other US liberal fantasies: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice apologizes that the fuss about Iraqs weapons of mass destruction was invented and Americans are finally getting national health insurance. Its front-page motto read: All the news we hope to print X a play on the Times famous All the news thats fit to print. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Health care abroad Nov 14, 2008
In South Korea, where medical fees are strictly controlled by the government as part of the national health insurance program, many hospitals struggle to make ends meet. So foreign medical tourists who pay cash up front are particularly attractive. (International Herald Tribune)
NHIS not panacea to quality healthcare delivery - Dr Issah Nov 14, 2008
Wa, Nov. 13, GNA - Dr Kofi Issah, acting Upper West Regional Director of Health Services has observed that even though the National Health Insurance Scheme's (NHIS) ultimate goal is to make people healthy, it is not a panacea for the promotion of quality healthcare delivery in the country. He said the NHIS only helped to move the financial barriers of patients, but that needed to be complemented with the provision of improved equipment, efficient transport system, quality training of health... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Wayos comatose URP Nov 14, 2008
He stated that the capitation grant, school feeding programme, and the National Health Insurance Scheme were some of the achievements of the NPP, and added that the ruling party has realistic programmes to develop the country. Alhaji Baba however dismissed allegations of inducement as reasons for their defection. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Asiam defends against "political prostitution" Nov 14, 2008
Noting that fundamental to the above are the NPP flag-bearer's commitment to continue with President Kufuor's sound policies as the National Youth Employment Programme, National Health Insurance Scheme, Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programme, Ms Asiam said Nana Akufo-Addo's vision of transforming Ghana, in terms of modernised agriculture, structural transformation of Northern Ghana through the channeling of one billion US dollar to the Northern Development Fund and another one billion US... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
German medical team to support Agroyesum Hospital Nov 14, 2008
He said the team would treat patients who had registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme free of charge but unregistered patients would pay for drugs. Source:GNA. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Baucus unveils health care reform proposal Nov 13, 2008
This aspect would be a temporary fix while the national health insurance exchange is developed, with the hope that the exchange would offer the 55-to-64 age group more options to buy private insurance. Encouraging the current system of employer-based health insurance. (Missoulian, MT)
Dr Bawumia goes back to school Nov 13, 2008
The vice presidential candidate also visited the Nurses Training Collage of Tamale where he articulated some of the fetes his party has achieved in the health sector which included the National Health Insurance Scheme and the number of health post which have been constructed in and around the country. He also mentioned that health professionals in Ghana, are the second best well paid in Africa coming right after South Africa. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Duker calls for peace in Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality Nov 13, 2008
He appealed to the people to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to access affordable and quality health care delivery. Mr Duker urged the people to retain the NPP in power to continue its development programmes in the municipality. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rescued single mother of four discharged. Nov 13, 2008
Her relations abandoned her at the hospital because she was not registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and they were not ready to pay the medical bills. They also did not know that the GMA had undertaken to pay her entire bills. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Blood pressure race gap cited in deaths Nov 12, 2008
The second study, done in England, looked at the electronic medical records of about 8,900 patients in southwest London, who are covered by that country's national health insurance system. Researchers found black patients with had significantly higher readings than white or Asian patients, even though blacks were prescribed more medications. (CNN)
Gomoa West parliamentary seat would be retained - Joe Donkoh Nov 12, 2008
Mr Donkoh said some of the gains were free delivery for pregnant women, the school feeding programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, Capitation Grant, rule of law and good governance. Mr Donkoh was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Gomoa Enyeme during a fundraising harvest in aid of a library complex. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
U.S. President Elect Obama and Fede... Nov 10, 2008
Included in this plan is public insurance for the uninsured, and a National Health Insurance Exchange to help businesses directly purchase insurance. An additional $1. (Suite101.com)
Mills promises security for all Nov 10, 2008
He said it was NDC government that began the National Health Insurance Scheme on a pilot basis in 1998, "therefore the NPP cannot claim that they initiated it", he said. Source:GNA. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
130 farmers and fishermen honoured in Central Region Nov 9, 2008
Nana Ato Arthur noted that, adequate policies and programmes introduced by the government, such as the mass cocoa spraying, medium and small scale business loans, reshaping of feeder roads in farming communities and the National Health Insurance Scheme have helped the farmers to increase productivity. The Regional Minister said the Capitation grant, Metro Mass Transport, the National Youth Employment Programmes and others had been implemented to enable the poor to manage their income and lead a... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Okuapeman SHS wins cardiovascular quiz competition Nov 9, 2008
Dr Kwamin warned that the National Health Insurance Scheme's budget could be over-stretched, if measures were not taken to control the increase in preventable killer diseases. He cautioned the public to adopt good eating habits and also engage in physical activities to stay healthy. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Kufuor inaugurates Accident and Emergency Centre Nov 9, 2008
This was done through proceeds from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Fund and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). About two million euro, which would otherwise have been paid as consultation fees to Consultants, was saved as a result of it being managed by the in-house technical team of the Health Ministry. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
How health coverage may change under Obama Nov 7, 2008
Introduce a Medicare-like government-administered plan similar to the one available to federal workers that would compete with private health plans in a new market called the National Health Insurance Exchange. Create a new tax credit to encourage small businesses to provide coverage to their workers. (MarketWatch)
Obama's Ideas on Key Real Estate Issues Nov 7, 2008
Obama: Let s build on our existing private health care system by allowing small employers and independent contractors to participate in a national health insurance exchange so they can purchase affordable health coverage similar to the plans available to federal employees. Individuals who need help paying for premiums will receive tax credits to ensure they can afford coverage. (Realtor Magazine Online)
DFP reduce maternal and child mortality Nov 7, 2008
"One of the three strategic objectives of the national health policy framework is to improve socio-economic wellbeing of children, women and the elderly. With this vision one would have expected that the design of the National health Insurance Scheme would have been sensitive to the need of women.". "Unfortunately NHIS does not cover female ailments such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer which are among the leading causes of death in women," she said. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
What Obama Win Means For Health Care Nov 6, 2008
Creating a National Health Insurance Exchange to pool risk and give people the choice of competing private or public health plans ... Many of Obama's other proposals - from the expansion of Medicare to his National Health Insurance Exchange - will be much harder to win support for, even with a largely friendly Congress behind him. (CBS News)
Even with mandate, Obama faces health care pain Nov 6, 2008
Obama wants to create a National Health Insurance Exchange to help individuals and small businesses buy private insurance. He promised to require health care for all children, and expand Medicaid, the government-run health program for the poor, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program or SCHIP.. (Reuters)
News Analysis: A once-united Republican party emerges, in identity crisis Nov 6, 2008
"Anti-union laws become 'right to work'; national health insurance becomes 'socialized medicine.' ". Some 40 years later, there are conservatives who still inveigh against the perils of socialized medicine. (International Herald Tribune)
Upper East chiefs praise pro-poor government policies Nov 6, 2008
The Chiefs mentioned the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Metro Mass Transport system, Capitation Grants, School Feeding Programme among others, and said those policies had helped ameliorate the suffering of the people in the area. The Sakote Naba thanked the Government for listening to his appeal for electricity for the area and that work on the project had commenced. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Obuasi Kroye Kuo in Italy donates to Obuasi Government Hospital Nov 6, 2008
He appealed to the residents in the municipality to embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) so that they could enjoy affordable health care. Mr Ennin urged the hospital authorities to take good care of the items so as to benefit a lot of the patients. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Be guided by the Hippocratic Oath - Kufuor to doctors Nov 6, 2008
Dr Adom Winful, President of the GMA, noted that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) had expanded access to health care by Ghanaians and asked that all implementation problems should be addressed to sustain the scheme. Source:GNA. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Pension Reform and Implementation Committee embarks on outreach programme Nov 6, 2008
5 per cent would go into the National Health Insurance Scheme and 11 per cent for pensions. Mrs. Wontumi said five per cent would go into the second tier to be known as occupational or workplace scheme which would also be mandatory. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Shift in tone will bring a watershed for nation Nov 5, 2008
Renewal of the six-decade quest for national health insurance. The launch of a major government-funded quest for renewable energy. (Boston Globe)
Obama's promises, vision to collide with reality Nov 5, 2008
The National Health Insurance Exchange would create rules and standards for participating private plans, and insurers would have to issue every applicant a policy regardless of pre-existing health conditions. The problem: While the plan would help millions of people obtain health insurance, health analysts say it falls short of universal coverage. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Ghanaians urged to vote for PNC Nov 5, 2008
Dr. Mahama said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), was the brainchild of PNC, which the NPP government did not properly implement. He said the PNC would introduce the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) in place of the NHIS, if voted into power. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Ma urges participation in WHO Nov 4, 2008
Ma said that domestically, government and non-governmental organizations continued to work hard to improve local healthcare services, citing Taiwans National Health Insurance and medical education as examples. Titled Health and Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities, the two-day forum was attended by health officials and experts from more than 30 countries and will focus on evidence-based health policy, global trends om healthcare quality and capacity-building for disease control. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* FEATURE: Having to choose life or lifes savings Nov 4, 2008
Because the cancer was now so widespread, she finally qualified for coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI) system for Herceptin treatment in August ... Even though cancer is the No. 1 cause of death in Taiwan, killing about 35,000 people annually, only 6 percent of the national health expenditure is spent on cancer treatment, the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) said in a 2004 report. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
PNC ensures farmers of good prices for their produce Nov 2, 2008
He said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the School Feeding Programme, being implemented by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), were his ideas which he made public as soon as he entered politics while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also adopted the GETFund, which was his initiative. Dr Mahama said the NHIS was laudable and he would implement it better than the way the NPP government was doing. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
W/R Department of Women launches Fund to purchase mammogram Nov 2, 2008
Miss Nyame said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has started undertaking breast cancer surgery but does not cover all aspects of treatment. Miss Nyame said the peak age for the disease is between 40-49 years in Ghana, which is 10 years earlier than that of the Western World and the awareness level of the disease in the country was very low. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
We need national health insurance Nov 1, 2008
Yet, there is a solution to our health-care crisis, called "The U.S. National Health Insurance Act" (HR676) ... So I'm asking you to join up with the campaign for HR676 and national health insurance at ... Help win national health insurance for everyone. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Your Opinion Obama offers superior health care plan Oct 31, 2008
hmarie775 wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:47 AM:" Stand up to insurance and drug companies:Obama's plan: Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums. I call that standing up.And where did you see anything about "free" health care? On his website he specifically mentions:Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Obama's Plan to End Private Health Insurance Oct 31, 2008
ObamaCare would create a new National Health Insurance Exchange (NHIE), which would function as a 50-state clearinghouse in which people could connect with insurers. Through the NHIE, participants would be able to purchase private coverage or buy into a new federal insurance program. (AMERICAN.COM)
* Cabinet approves measure to double tobacco surcharge Oct 31, 2008
37 billion), accounting for about one-tenth of the National Health Insurance System's expenses. Shih said the government would use the surcharge collected from tobacco sales to subsidize the health insurance premiums of economically disadvantaged families living in remote areas or those suffering from rare diseases. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Oct 31, 2008
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
Okwawuman South Insurance Scheme registers over 80,000 members Oct 31, 2008
The National Health Insurance Council also contributed GH552,171 as exempt subsidy and administrative support for the scheme ... He commended the National Health Insurance Council for supporting the scheme with a Toyota pick-up, five computers and accessories, a motor bike and a bicycle while the scheme through its internally generated fund purchased an additional computer, two cameras and eight bicycles to selected agents to facilitate the registration projects ... The Eastern Regional... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Great Day In Ireland For Ghanaians Oct 31, 2008
He cited the stabilisation of the economy with relatively low inflation and low interest rates, the introduction of the national health insurance scheme to replace the infamous cash and carry system, the introduction of the capitation grant and school feeding programmes, the national youth employment programme and the metro mass transport system as some achievements of the government. He said the enabling environment in Ghana for business is a result of the liberal tax regime which is almost in... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nana To Face Mills In IEA Debate Today Oct 30, 2008
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which the NPP administration presents as a flagship of its performance is considered by the NDC as selective in application. Nana Akufo-Addo faces a daunting task this evening as he challenges three opponents in the persons of Prof. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Candidates clash on health care Oct 30, 2008
Obama, plans to establish a National Health Insurance Exchange that would offer insurance for individuals and small companies. Cleaveland said, just like in Sen. (The University Echo, TN)
How they would change health care: Obama Oct 29, 2008
Creating a national health insurance exchange to help people to find and compare private insurance policies on their own. In the most significant departure from the Democratic nominee's thinking, Massachusetts has imposed a mandate that requires most adults to carry health insurance -- and fines them if they refuse. (Huntington WSAZ-TV, WV)
NPP criticizes the one-time premium NHIS proposal by NDC Oct 29, 2008
Koforidua, Oct. 28, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over its proposal to introduce a one-time premium for people who want to register for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) if it wins the December general election. Speaking to staff of Koforidua Regional Hospital on Monday as part of his four-day campaign tour of some parts of the Eastern Region, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presidential candidate of the NPP, explained that the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NDC Parliamentary Candidate Holds Rally in Navrongo Oct 29, 2008
Mr Woyongo indicated that he would help modify the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable majority of people get registered with the scheme. He urged the electorate not to do anything that would mar the forthcoming elections, saying Ghana existed before political elections. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Atta-Mills is a Shamelessly Naked Man! Oct 29, 2008
The man whose party recently and shamelessly attempted to extort undeserved credit for the New Patriotic Party-implemented National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), then offered himself as a viable alternative to the Kufuor government, whose globally-acclaimed yeomanly performance he arrogantly dismissed as one that was characterized by failed promises, divisionism, corruption and parochialism which would bring in their wake suffering and incompetence ... Which largely explains why the former... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
WHO representative commends Ghana for reducing maternal mortality Oct 29, 2008
The Regional Minister said the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) had been a great relief to the rural people in particular since it had brought health care delivery closer to them. Source:GNA. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
How McCain, Obama health plans stack up Oct 29, 2008
9 million poor, uninsured children not currently covered and by creating a national health insurance plan, similar to what federal employees receive ... Barack Obama: Help more adults and children get insurance by expanding eligibility for Medicaid to poor, uninsured children and by creating a national health insurance plan, similar to what federal employees receive. (Detroit Free Press)
Pharmacists want increase of banned drugs to 30 Oct 29, 2008
Akhimien said the aim and objective of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was being defeated by the operators of the scheme by the introduction of an illegal mode of payment called global capitation, which is the amount paid to service providers under the NHIS. He said this was made worse by the governing council of the NHIS that has been dissolved, hence erring operators could not be sanctioned. The PSN President urged the President to reconstitute the council as a matter of urgency,... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Rx For Health Care: Private Or Public? Oct 29, 2008
It would be first-among-equals in Obama's proposed National Health Insurance Exchange, the regulated market for insurance plans. It would offer comprehensive coverage (including preventive, maternity and mental health care) with taxpayer backing. (Investors Business Daily)
Be Careful What You Wish For Oct 28, 2008
The unintended consequences of tax increases for the rich, national health insurance for all, or tax refunds for people who pay no taxes may be the greatest thing since sliced bread and maybe not. I have always thought of our economy and our political condition as a single childs toy. (Townhall.com)
Freedom of Choice in Health Care Oct 28, 2008
Clint Bolick, director of the Goldwater Institute's Center for Constitutional Litigation, believes that if Washington were to enact a national health insurance program of prescriptive regulations, Proposition 101 would trigger an epochal constitutional clash "between state sovereignty and national power.". In 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court said: "The Constitution established a system of 'dual sovereignty.' ... It is an essential attribute of the states' retained sovereignty that they remain... (Townhall.com)
"Our research shows we'll win elections" - NPP Oct 28, 2008
A. Kufuor had done well and cited the Capitation Grant, which made basic education free, National Health Insurance Scheme, School Feeding Programme, Micro Finance for small scale businesses and roads construction as some of the good works. Dr Apraku for the 19 years of National Democratic Congress (NDC) rule, schools, roads, health facilities and poverty still plagued the three northern regions and noted that Nana Akufo-Addo would bridge the gap between the north and the south when given the nod... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Saving Ghana's young democracy and the Obama sensation Oct 28, 2008
We need good and affordable health delivery, the corrupt malpractices associated with the current and commendable National health Insurance scheme, needs to be confronted head on. Good quality education, we need our children to be among the best brains in science and technology in this global world, to be able to compete with their peers in the world. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NDC demonstrated incompetence and inefficiency - Akufo Addo Oct 28, 2008
She explained that if children could go to school without paying school fees and be fed at school at no cost to their parents, women could deliver at hospitals free and the citizens could get access to good health care through the National Health Insurance Programme, then the standard of living of the child and the parents had been raised enough for them to vote for the NPP.. Mr Kwabena Agyepong, former press secretary of President Kufuor said a vote for Professor John Evans Atta-Mills was a... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Risch, LaRocco in another political showdown Oct 28, 2008
To extend health care to more Americans, LaRocco favors a national health insurance market that would enable people to buy standardized insurance coverage from public and private providers. He also backs policies to make existing coverage portable when workers change jobs and emphasizing preventative measures to lower costs. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Rising health costs take heavy toll here Oct 27, 2008
Obama's plan requires employers to offer insurance, either on their own or through a government-sponsored National Health Insurance Exchange, which would give employers and individuals access to a new public program or a range of approved private programs. While leaning toward Obama's plan, Pollack said he believes both campaigns realize the issue is important to voters. (Jackson Clarion Ledger)
Nana Akufo-Addo - Ghana's Next Positive President! Oct 27, 2008
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) this health program has been helpful, and I can attest to this from my own personal experience. Since the introduction of this initiative, I have fewer requests from family members asking for funds for medical treatment. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
