Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor has hinted that the one time payment of the National Health Insurance premium will be implemented in 2010. According to him, his ministry is engaged in serious discussions with other stakeholders to firm up all outstanding issues including the amount to be paid, by who, and whether those already enjoying the scheme will be made to pay an extra amount. He said the policy will be in fulfillment of the campaign pledge made by the NDC in the 2008 elections. The government, he said will set up five polytechnics in the country and improve the Tamale Hospital into modern facility as part of measures to ensure quality health care in the country. He said this during the opening of the third Ghana International Health Fair (Medishop Expo 2009)at the Accra International Conference Centre on Thursday. The theme for the fair is “sustaining the National Health Insurance Scheme-Building capacity of service providers,” and was organised by Shem Pharma Services, a medical and Pharmaceutical Company, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Private Medical and Dental Practitioners. Chairman of the Council of State Prof Kofi Awoono, who was also chairman of the occasion advised Ghanaians to adopt healthy lifestyles to ward off preventable diseases. He was hopeful the three day fair will offer exhibitors the opportunity to provide the general public with the needed health tips as well as modern therapy needed to cure ailments. Humphrey Tetteh, coordinator of the event said the fair is to bring all health professionals together to share innovative ideas aimed at promoting health industry in the country.