NHIA set to roll out Uniform Prescription forms

03-06-14                     

The National Health Insurance Authority will soon roll out a revised prescription form to be used across the country by all health facilities. A report on the form which has been designed and piloted in the Greater Accra Region is said to be feasible and it is expected to be introduced by the Ministry of Health this year. The introduction of the uniformed prescription form is in line with the Authority’s objective of rationalizing the use of medicine to minimize abuse and fraud in the prescription of medicine among other illegalities. The authority will also review its tariff system to enable the scheme to provide quality service to its clients. Deputy National Director of Planning, Monitoring and International Relations at the NHIA, Francis Xavier Ando-Adjei made these known at a stakeholders meeting in Bolgatanga with claim and scheme officers. The meeting was one of the periodic review meetings initiated by the Chief Executive Director of the Authority, Sylvester Mensah to update officers on current issues bothering the operation of the scheme. Mr Ando-Adjei, said the NHIA has come to stay and has to a larger extent addressed the health needs of the poor and vulnerable. Notwithstanding its achievements, the scheme was still faced with operational challenges. Mr Ando-Adjei in a presentation highlighted the importance of the uniformed prescription forms, describing it as a laudable move. The form which has distinct and unique features is to promote the rational use of medicine. He indicated that this will ensure medicine safety and quality of cost since it will enable one to trace every prescription right from the point of service to the consulting room where it was prescribed.  It will also prevent over prescription and ensure quality standards.  Mr Ando-Adjei urged operation officers of the NHIA, particularly Public Relation Officers to be abreast of key issues affecting the scheme. He however proposed the use of effective communication as a tool to update the public on its operation. On the time premium, Mr Ando-Adjei explained to Radio Ghana's Isaac Asare that the policy had not been thrown away as perceived by section of the public but was currently being put on hold based on the advice of experts groups. The decision, he disclosed was taken by experts in health finances at a National stakeholders meeting held in December 2012.

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