The Ministry of Health is to review its user fees by introducing graduated fees so that services are cheapest at the most accessible point which is at the primary care level. In this regard, there will be increased charges for patients seeking preferential services. These were disclosed by the Minister of Health, Dr.. Eunice Brookman-Amissah, at her Ministry’s turn at the meet the Press series held in Accra today/yesterday. She said under the present system, the government provides funds for the running of the sector and user fees paid are only a fraction of the government’s bill. These are contributions towards drugs and other consumable. On the exemptions introduced in the sector last year, Dr. Brookman-Amissah said these cost the government 11 billion cedis and are expected to rise to over 13 billion cedis this year. She said several programmes are underway to improve the health sector and these include the construction of additional facilities at the regional, district and sub-district levels. Conditions of service will also be improved to reverse the brain drain suffered by the medical profession. The Minister said provisions have been made to give incentives to medical personnel who opt to work in deprived areas. This, she said, is to ensure universal access to primary health care. A board will also be set-up to handle clinical trials, commercial production and marketing of herbal preparations. Dr. Brookman-Amissah said the Ministry’s plans for the year include strengthening the preparedness of the districts to deal with epidemic situations such as CSM, Cholera and Yellow Fever. The 1998 Polio Immunization Days will also be extended to include other services such as vitamin supplementation. According to the Minister, the Ghana Health Service will be operational and this will give autonomy to the Teaching Hospitals.
End.
