Shama MP Ato Panford breaks ground for GHC1.5m NHIA District Office

• Posted on June 16, 2020June 16, 2020
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Member of Parliament for Shama, Hon. (Dr.) Ato Panford has through his office secured a project for the construction of a new office complex to serve National Health Insurance Authority in his area. The project worth GHC1.5 million is among twenty-four (24) others that are being constructed across the country.

The NHIA has for the past years been operating from a rented space in the district capital. The construction of the facility would bring about some comfort and efficiency in the delivery of service by the NHIA.

Breaking ground for the project, Hon. (Dr.) Panford said the President and himself are much particular about the health needs of the people, and thus will, with the completion of the project expand access to the National Health Insurance Scheme for the people.

“…its all about lobbying.Through the ministry we were able to get one of the 25 units being taken across the country… and so if Shama is having one, it means we doing all our best to serve our people very well” he stated.

He expressed on behalf of the constituency, an appreciation to the owners of the land upon which the facility will be constructed. Hon. Panford noted that land availability could have been a major obstacle to the realization of the project, if the landholders hadn’t released it for the project.

District Chief Executive for the area, Joseph Amoah disclosed that coverage for NHIS in the area is relatively lower. He indicated that the current coverage rate stands at 48 percent of the district’s population. Mr. Amoah is hopeful this would be improved after the completion of the project.

“As we speak, records indicate that they’ve done just about 48 percent of the population in the district, and this is on the low side. I am expecting that, when this facility is completed, it will give a boost to the work the NHIA will be doing. We looking forward to achieving a 60 to 70 percent coverage in the district” Mr. Amoah clarified.

He trusted the contractor executes the project as originally designed, and to the satisfaction of the district.

LINX Consult, is the supervising Consultant for the project. Chief Executive Officer for the Linx Consult, Franklin Twumasi detailed the facility is a one storey and will be completed within a six-month schedule.

The new NHIA District Complex comes with a conference room, staff rooms and offices, an Information Management Service (IMS) office, client-service area, and among others.

Author: Abraham Mensah