NEWS RELEASE CAPITATION PILOT - JOINT STATEMENT ON THE WAY FORWARD Following the launch of the capitation pilot in the Ashanti Region in January 2012 after months of preparation, various issues and difficulties emerged. As the NHIA moved to address the issues, the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners (SPMDP) announced its withdrawal from the capitation pilot. Their withdrawal meant that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) were the remaining healthcare institutions implementing the pilot programme. Discussions with the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners (SPMDP) continued in an attempt to resolve the issues of disagreement over the pilot. On Wednesday 8th February, 2012, at a meeting held at Miklin Hotel, Kumasi, the Society of Private Medical & Dental Practitioners (SPMDP) – Ashanti, the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA)– Ashanti, on one hand, and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on the other, issued a joint statement that signaled progress towards resolving the impasse. The statement of agreement on the way forward reads: “Our respective technical teams would engage on all concerns regarding the capitation pilot in the Ashanti Region to possibly reach a common position as a basis for possible participation in the pilot by the SPMDP and the GRMA by March 2012” The statement was signed by the President of the SPMDP-Ashanti, Dr Harry Tawiah, the President of the GRMA, Mrs. Agartha Boaben, and the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Mr. Sylvester Mensah. Below is a copy of the signed agreement.