Gone are the songs and poems, but cheer prevails Oct 28, 2009
Investec said it was expected that higher electricity tariffs proposed for next year would add to the burden - as would taxes imposed by the national health insurance. The Debt Councillors' Association said about 115 000 people had applied for debt counselling, and this was rising by about 9 000 a month. (Business Report, South Africa)
My View: Public option plan's big flaw: It does little to keep prices down Oct 27, 2009
Single-payer national health insurance may be the best outcome, but we should get there after an honest debate, not through the back door. So all the attention on whether Obama will get a public plan, as he says he hopes, misses the bigger point. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Oct 27, 2009
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)
The Fumbling Atta Mills Government Oct 27, 2009
Other areas include the School Feeding Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the general Education Policy of the country. The general direction of the economy is south-bound and investor confidence is in close pursuit. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Massive Corruption Made Ex-President Kufuor Unfit For Mo Ibrahim Award Oct 27, 2009
The group cited corrupt practices at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD and the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing. Kwasi Pratt stated that there were doubtful payments at the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
RE: Why Mo Ibrahim Snubbed Kufuor. Oct 26, 2009
Kufuors school feeding programme, capitation grant, national health Insurance and others have benefitted hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians, especially those in deprived regions. Kufuor also did his best to improve the countrys infrastructure. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Love Community Chapel inaugurates hospital Oct 26, 2009
Nana Akomea, Member of Parliament for Okaikoi South pledged to assist the hospital to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme and ensure that the road to the hospital is tarred. 25 Oct. 09. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
That was a cowardly act, Mo Ibrahim Oct 26, 2009
Plans for Free meals and uniforms for school children, National Health Insurance Schemes, Rule of Law, tolerance, easy mobility from improved State Transport and Communications Systems were some of the features of Kuffours government. He restored Ghanas battered international image to its former glory. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Read today's letters to the editor Oct 26, 2009
Again, President Obama used a TV segment to promote his compulsory national health insurance plan. This time he surrounded himself with people clad in white lab coats (supposedly representing the medical profession. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
House health care bill exceeds $1 trillion Oct 24, 2009
El Gabilon wrote on Sep 8, 2009 2:49 PM:" As we understand it, Medicare pays 80% and the remainder is paid for by ones supplemental insurance. Secondly in order to get the rich to pay their fair share of taxes, it is up to us as citizens to write, email, call, demand, etc. that the congress sees that it is done. When the demand is great you have a chance, when it is not forgedaboudit. We do not agree with fines for people who do not have health insurance. We believe it is in the best interests... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Oh Ghana! Lets start to do a few things right! Oct 24, 2009
NHIS: The National Health Insurance concept is a laudable idea and superior to the cash and carry system. However, as in any major undertaking, there were issues that needed to be addressed to minimize abuse and to ensure the long term sustainability of the scheme. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
National health care is good Oct 24, 2009
When I came to America in 1963, I was shocked that the richest country in the world didn't have a national health insurance plan. England has had this since 1948. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
NHIS risks collapse Oct 23, 2009
Sogakope, Oct 22, GNA - Dr Raymond Atugubah, a lawyer, has said the National Health Insurance Scheme risked premature collapse under its current legislative management and administrative structure ... Dr Atuguba said Article 650 created a dichotomy on the role of the National Health Insurance Authority over the District Mutual Health Schemes, which by their establishment are autonomous, thus creating problems such as the inability to check frauds and other issues in the district. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Superstition, main cause of maternal morbidity in Ghana - NGOs Oct 22, 2009
He said government on reviewing legislations governing the National Health Insurance Scheme, should create adequate avenues for the contributions and input of Civil Society and include clients in the National Health Insurance Authority. The resolution called for a review of existing health laws to ensure harmonisation of activities for efficient health care delivery and establish a fund to be drawn directly from the Consolidated Fund for activities of CSOs. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Chereponi people not patronizing the NHIS Oct 21, 2009
Chereponi (NR), Oct. 21, GNA - Most people in Chereponi do not patronize the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) because there is no office to register clients in the district. Alhaji Seidu Issah Abah, District Chief Executive for Chereponi, who announced this during the second session of the Assembly, appealed to the National Health Insurance Authority to open an office in the district. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Expatriates face new insurance restrictions Oct 20, 2009
OVERSEAS TAIWANESE: Expatriates and students living abroad will need to come back to Taiwan for four months before they can re-enter the national health insurance program, a bill says STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA Tuesday, Oct 20, 2009, Page 4. A bill to amend the nations National Health Insurance Act (dOIk) would prevent Taiwanese expatriates or students living or studying overseas from benefiting from the countrys health insurance privileges, a Department of Health (DOH) official said... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Insanitary living threatens NHIS survival Oct 20, 2009
Extension services Coordinator of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency CWSA Theodora Adomako Adjei has warned that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) faces imminent extinction if the scheme does not focus on the issues of hygiene. She said if the issues of hygiene are not addressed properly, there could come a time when the scheme may not have money to run. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Green Tea Reduces Risk of Dying from Pneumonia Oct 20, 2009
Watanabe and colleagues assessed how drinking green tea affected the risk of dying from pneumonia among 19,079 men and 21,493 women receiving National Health Insurance in Japan. The study population ranged from 40 to 79 years old and had no reported history of cancer, heart attack, stroke at the start of the study. (Newsmax)
Illness often undiscovered and undertreated among the uninsured: Harvard study Oct 20, 2009
Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, professor of medicine at Harvard and study co-author, said: "The uninsured suffer the most, but even Americans with insurance have shocking rates of undertreatment, in part because high co-payments and deductibles often make care and medications unaffordable. We need to upgrade coverage for the insured, as well as covering the uninsured. Only single-payer national health insurance would make care affordable for the tens of millions of Americans with chronic illnesses."... (EurekAlert!)
Commitment to development challenges yielding positive results- NAPRM Oct 19, 2009
There have been remarkable improvements in the education and health sectors, following the implementation of the Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programme, as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme. The report said government through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has undertaken infrastructural development in the primary, secondary, polytechnics and universities, resulting in some significant increase in school enrolment and improve in the environment for teaching and... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
President inaugurates Saviour Church Hospital at Osiem Oct 19, 2009
Earlier in a welcome address, the General Superintendent of the Church, Opanyin Abraham Kweku Adusei, appealed to the Ministry of Health for support to get the hospital accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority, so that many people could access the facility and also enable the hospital to raise the necessary revenue to operate efficiently. He appealed to the President to support the hospital with an ambulance to enable it to easily transport patients referred from the hospital to the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
HIV Scandal Hits Yamoah Ponkoh Oct 17, 2009
Reacting to the story in an interview with DAILY GUIDE, the outspoken politician alleged that the publications were being engineered by his detractors who were not enthused about his new appointment as Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme ... According to Yamoah Ponkoh, who was recently appointed the Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), his detractors were concocting these stories about him because they wanted him to lose focus on his new... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Taiwan News Quick Take Oct 16, 2009
People who fail to obtain a new electronic alien resident certificate (ARC), alien permanent resident certificate (APRC) or Republic of China (Taiwan) resident certificate by Dec. 31 this year will not be able to apply for driver's licenses, national health insurance or bank accounts in Taiwan, NIA officials said. Last month, the agency sent notifications to people still holding paper versions of the three types of foreign resident cards, asking them to apply for their new ID cards at NIA... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Health care protesters arrested at downtown Portland building Oct 16, 2009
A nurse was among 11 people arrested Thursday at a protest against a national health insurance company. The group Health Care for All organized protests in cities nationwide against Regence BlueCross/BlueShield s insurance practices and lobbying efforts. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Personnel of the NHIS attend capacity-building workshop Oct 16, 2009
The course initiated by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHI= A), assisted the officers to appraise their past performance and renew their commitment towards the total realization of goals set by the NHIA. In a speech read on his behalf, Mr. Sylvester A. Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), advi= sed workers of the Scheme to define where the policy is at the moment, and pa= int a clear picture of where they want it to be in the coming years.... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Researchers detect knee problems at an earlier stage Oct 14, 2009
Citing statistics released by the Bureau of National Health Insurance in 2002, the university said the country spent NT$4 billion (US$125 million) a year treating the disease, the statement said. In cooperation with the Joint Center of Buddhist Tzu Chi Dalin General Hospital in Chiayi County, university researchers found that most OA cases could be easily controlled with the less invasive procedure, the statement said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Bolgatanga Town Hall Meeting was very interactive Oct 13, 2009
Mr. John Akaribo, former assembly member for Nyariga-Doone wanted to know whether health workers and employees of the National Health Insurance Scheme, could be held accountable to the public and if yes. The specific areas they could be they called to account for their stewardship. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Readers Write 10/13 Oct 13, 2009
There is a huge difference between a state-based voluntary exchange, and a national health insurance exchange ... The national health insurance exchange combined with the public plan creates a scenario where the government plays regulator and competitor. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Ten NHIS managers, accountants and five service providers interdicted Oct 10, 2009
Accra, Oct. 9, GNA - A special audit exercise undertaken by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has found 10 national health insurance scheme managers, accountants and five service providers in the Ashanti Region culpable of misappropriating funds. They have been interdicted and asked to report to the Ashanti Regional Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in Kumasi for further investigations. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Local health care leaders agree on need for reform Oct 10, 2009
Health economist and consultant Albert Lowey-Ball: Some version of national health insurance ; that will expand coverage to (millions) of uninsured ; would be of tremendous help to California nonprofit clinics, nonprofit hospitals, nonprofit primary-care providers and nonprofit heath plans. Envision chief executive officer Kevin Nagle: I see this is going to be a love fest about universal health coverage. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
* Labor body accuses the government of exploiting workers Oct 10, 2009
According to labor and contract laws, an employer is required to pay part of an employees labor and national health insurance premiums, as well as contribute to the employees retirement fund. But when the firm X or a government agency X chooses to contract out the job, it does not have to worry about these payments. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Moore takes us inside capitalist system Oct 10, 2009
But when we finally get national health insurance, Michael Moore will deserve credit for helping make it happen. In his new movie Capitalism: A Love Story, Moore takes on the economic system we've all been programmed to love. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Legal and operational issues identified in NHIS Oct 9, 2009
Accra, Oct. 8, GNA - The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on Thursday said 59 legal and 108 implementation and operational issues have been identified in the operations of the Scheme. In a presentation to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health in Accra on the theme, "Change We Must and Yes We Can", a consultant, Dr Raymond Atuguba, said the research was conducted among stakeholders across the country. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Eleven more people hospitalized with swine flu: center Oct 8, 2009
Five hospitals said they would decline patients requests to be quarantined in rooms covered by the National Health Insurance. A single room, however, would cost approximately NT$4,600 a day and the fee would not be covered by the National Health Insurance. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Instil discipline in subordinates - urges KATH CEO Oct 8, 2009
Prof Ohene Adjei said with the increasing complexity and enormity in health care delivery, coupled with the advent of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which was exerting tremendous pressure on service delivery, there was the need to draw up effective strategies to respond to the emerging challenges by improving efficiency through waste reduction and productivity enhancement. "Our patients deserve better services than what they are getting now and I will like to entreat all of you to... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NHIA reviews medicines list Oct 7, 2009
Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on Tuesday said it had revised the medicine list of the National Health Insurance Scheme with effect from October 1. The Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) are also under review and new medicines that are more efficacious would be introduced after the review, Executive Secretary of NHIA, Mr. Sylvester Mensah said at a press conference in Accra. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Read more ... Oct 7, 2009
THE ANC has listed on its website key features of the proposed national health insurance (NHI) scheme, which it says will ensure that every citizen has access to the same level of quality health care irrespective of their employment status or income. The ruling party speaks of social solidarity, which means that those people who can afford treatment will subsidise those who can't. (Business Report, South Africa)
Your views: Healthy debate Oct 7, 2009
Dont allow feds more health controlSundays editorial, Stop the nonsense, states as a given that national health insurance reforms on the table will cut costs and expand medical coverage. It states these plans are good for us and we should go along with what the federal government has in store for us. (Florida Today)
Read the 'JER' transcript Oct 6, 2009
FUND: The only way 000005B2 the European countries have been able to afford national health insurance is by all of them imposing a hidden tax, and that is the next step after we pass this massive entitlement program. GIGOT: Kim, the momentum in Washington is still pretty strong in favor of this bill passing, is it not. (Fox News)
Abuse of National Health Insurance Scheme Oct 5, 2009
Rather, this paper seeks to focus on the forms of exploitative and profiteering schemes of service providers to the National Health Insurance scheme often at the blind side of patients ... The National Health Insurance Scheme after just a few years of operation have seen its resources almost sublime through fraudulent payments being made to unscrupulous service providers ... There was also support for and training of traditional birth attendants and the main streaming of herbal medicine and the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* National health insurance deficit going up: minister Oct 4, 2009
National health insurance deficit going up: minister. MATTER OF TIME: Department of Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang says the national health insurance system can not be maintained without raising some premium rates STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA Sunday, Oct 04, 2009, Page 2 ... The nations national health insurance system will face a bigger deficit next year than the NT$55. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Our views: Stop the nonsense Oct 4, 2009
Youd think the shocking statistics would have Florida lawmakers supporting national health insurance reforms designed to cut costs and expand medical coverage to many more Americans. Instead, some are seeking to block the change and needlessly waste Floridas taxpayers dollars to boot. (Florida Today)
Gold Fish Has No Hiding Place. Oct 3, 2009
Do not forget the contributions of our donor countries into the NPP laudable programmes like the School Feeding Programme and the National Health Insurance Scheme ... Amongst them The National Health Insurance Scheme, Capitation Grant, School Feeding Programme, The National Youth Employment Scheme and the Metro Mass Transit Programmes. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Bulgaria—September 2009 Staff Visit, Concluding Statement Oct 2, 2009
Reform of the health sector is needed not only to rebalance the public finances of the National Health Insurance Fund but also to deliver more effective and efficient health care services. 12. (IMF News)
* DOH under fire over premiums Oct 2, 2009
The National Health Insurance Civic Surveillance Alliance (NHICSA) yesterday denounced the Department of Healths (DOH) plan to raise National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums ... Legislators from across the political spectrum also unanimously voiced opposition yesterday to the plan to raise the national health insurance premium rate from next year, saying the time was not right for such a move ... Wang said the proposed premium hike should not be introduced until the Taipei City government... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Asahi Kasei Launches 'Reveal DX' Insertable Cardiac Monitor Oct 1, 2009
Tokyo, Oct 1, 2009 (JCN) - Asahi Kasei begins sales of the Reveal(R) DX insertable cardiac monitor in Japan on October 1, the date the device will be applicable for coverage by Japan's National Health Insurance. Asahi Kasei acquired the exclusive rights for domestic sale of the monitor from Medtronic Japan in July 2008. (JCN Network, Japan)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Sep 30, 2009
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)
Sight Savers and Hohoe Hospital builds eye centre Sep 26, 2009
He said for clients under the National Health Insurance Scheme are covered except for the optical service. Dr Danoo called on members of the public to report all cases relating to the eye in earnest and refrain from self-medication to avoid causing irreparable damages to the eye as an organ. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Seniors to get integrated medical care Sep 26, 2009
Starting on Dec. 1, integrated outpatient services are to be made available for senior citizens with chronic diseases at participating hospitals, the Bureau of National Health Insurance announced on Thursday. The bureau hopes the plan will save more than NT$3 billion (US$90 million) a year. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Obamacare: Buy insurance or go to jail! Sep 26, 2009
is in all likelihood dropped; both the Bacus and Wyden-Bennett bill contain all of these items: (a) Federal Regulation aka HEALTH CZAR/DEATH PANELS/RATIONING (b) Employer/Individual Mandates aka NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE (c) Government Subsidies aka MIDDLE CLASS MEDICAL WELFARE With the Federal Government setting the rules, forcing everyone to participate, and is paying the bills for most of the middle class through subsidies how is this anything other than Nationalization ... is in all... (The Drudge Report)
Letters to the Editor Sep 25, 2009
Pending proposals for national health insurance reform will increase the services available to children with special needs ... Pending proposals for national health insurance reform will help families of children with special health care needs and disabilities. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
10 comments Sep 25, 2009
Carter wanted to impose a national health insurance system. His plan: regulated minimum health insurance paid for by businesses; public coverage for the poor and elderly; and a public option to sell coverage to the uncovered. (Human Events Online)
Africa: Groups Oppose Fees for Healthcare [analysis] Sep 25, 2009
Sierra Leone's free-care policy will be part of a two-pronged approach, with a national health insurance scheme to be introduced in the coming years, according to Health Ministry officials. Burundi. (allAfrica.com)
Ghanaian civil society welcomes national insurance reform Sep 25, 2009
Accra, Sept 24, GNA - The Essential Services Platform, a Ghanaian civil society group, on Thursday welcomed President John Evans Atta Mills' announcement at the UN General Assembly meeting in New York to reform the National Health Insurance payment system and provide payment exemptions for some of the most marginalized in society ... " The statement praised Ghana's commitment to move from annual premium payments, to a one-time premium payment system with registration-fee exemption for the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
DCE appeals to Muslims to use Ramadan to end Bawku conflict Sep 24, 2009
He urged them to invest in the education of their children and also register with the National Health Insurance Scheme. They prayed for the leadership of the nation, the regions and the districts. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Liberal Lies About National Health Care, Part 5 Sep 24, 2009
(b) Employer/Individual Mandates aka NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE. (c) Government Subsidies aka MIDDLE CLASS MEDICAL WELFARE. (Townhall.com)
Obamacare and the $13 rule Sep 23, 2009
Remember, the most effective US senator in the past century - Edward Kennedy, who died last month at the age of 77 - spent most of his 46 years in the senate fighting for national health insurance and failed to achieve his goal. Bill Clinton boldly took up Kennedy's cause at the beginning of his first presidential term. (Asia Times Online)
tireless environmentalist Sep 23, 2009
He honored his father by pushing for national health insurance and was chosen in 1965 to wield the gavel when the House passed Medicare. Then, as now, many members of Congress coveted seats on Ways and Means or Armed Services, but Dingell preferred to master the process outside the spotlight. (Harper's Magazine)
Health Reform Is Just Subterfuge; Dream Is Democratic Dictatorship Sep 23, 2009
Another way the Democrats inadvertently reveal their own national health insurance dishonesty is through infidelity to a second objective cost control. Remember that one. (Investors Business Daily)
Ghana should provide free health care- NGO Sep 23, 2009
It said at the end of 2008 only 54 per cent of the population registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme. The statement said failure to provide free public health care means that millions of Ghanaians were paying with their lives. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
South Africa: Ruling Party Calls for Urgent Alliance Meeting Sep 21, 2009
Other issues up for discussion are SA's response to the economic downturn, corruption, the proposed national health insurance scheme and the planning commission. Mantashe said that the ANC's top brass had ordered all party structures to stop the succession debate. (allAfrica.com)
Read the story Sep 21, 2009
"WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - More than half of U.S. doctors now favor switching to a national health care plan and fewer than a third oppose the idea, according to a survey published on Monday.Of more than 2,000 doctors surveyed, 59 percent said they support legislation to establish a national health insurance program, while 32 percent said they opposed it, researchers reported in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.". by david393071 September 20, 2009 3:24 PM EDT. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Obama: Health insurance mandate no tax increase Sep 21, 2009
El Gabilon wrote on Sep 8, 2009 2:49 PM:" As we understand it, Medicare pays 80% and the remainder is paid for by ones supplemental insurance. Secondly in order to get the rich to pay their fair share of taxes, it is up to us as citizens to write, email, call, demand, etc. that the congress sees that it is done. When the demand is great you have a chance, when it is not forgedaboudit. We do not agree with fines for people who do not have health insurance. We believe it is in the best interests... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Where Do our policymakers get their ideas Sep 20, 2009
Can our fragile National Health Insurance scheme be able to confront a rising tide of chronic diseases that are linked to unhealthy diet such the food we consume each day in the West. It is a fact; the chronic diseases we experience in the Western world are undoubtedly linked to poor diet that we consume wantonly. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
More fights ahead in Congress over health care Sep 19, 2009
We believe it is in the best interests of the country to have a MANDATORY NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM where all citizens regardless of income must belong and each pay the same percentage costs. As far as auto insurance goes we believe in NO FAULT INSURANCE. Under the social contract, each citizen should be entitled to BASIC HOUSING, BASIC CLOTHING,FOOD, HEALTH CARE, AND SECURITY. If one can afford housing, food and clothing one should pay for it, if not it should be a given. (Longview Daily News, WA)
