Former NHIS Manager calls for the immediate suspension of Capitation From: Kofi Asante Ennin/Nhyira Fm-Kumasi

The Municipal Chief Executive for Ejisu-Juabeng, Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh, is suggesting suspension of the piloting health insurance capitation in the Ashanti Region.

He describes as confusing and frustrating the ordeal patients and service provides have been subjected to just four days into implementation.

Mr. Yamoah-Ponkoh thinks authorities must re-strategize for a smoother take off.

The former Regional Manager of the NHIS in Ashanti says the policy is good but it requires more public education to succeed.

Piloting of the capitation scheme was officially rolled effective January 1, 2012 to provide a platform for subscribers to choose their own convenient health providers.

The move according to officials is to create healthy competition among providers for a proper healthcare delivery.

However implementation has been chaotic so far, with private service providers boycotting the project.

Mr. Yamoah-Ponkoh says the scheme is likely to do more harm than good under the current circumstances.

He says the Health Insurance Authority is a corporate entity, and government cannot be blamed for the development.