The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the Bono East Region has criticized the lack of participation from pharmacies in the region.
Despite being established four years ago, the Bono East NHIA office has been unable to secure a single pharmacy to sign on to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
This is a significant setback for the scheme, as pharmacies play a crucial role in providing medications to patients.
The NHIA considers the Pharmacists Association and the pharmaceutical importers, wholesalers, and retailers association as key partners for the successful implementation of the scheme.
However, their refusal to participate is denying patients access to their entitled benefits.
Francis Opoku, the public relations officer for the Bono East NHIA, expressed disappointment over the situation.
He highlighted that patients are forced to purchase medications themselves because they cannot obtain them at health facilities.
Opoku urged pharmacies to reconsider their stance and sign on to the scheme.
He assured them that the government is now up-to-date with payments for claims, addressing a previous concern that may have deterred their participation.
By joining the NHIA, pharmacies can benefit from a steady stream of customers and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.
