The National Health Insurance Authority has rubbished a Searchlight Newspaper report claiming management of NHIA has resolved to reduce the salaries of its workers nationwide. The June 21, 2011 edition of the paper reported that the NHIA is in dire financial crisis and as a measure to sustain the scheme, management has resolved to deduct salaries of workers nationwide. A statement signed by the Deputy Director Strategy and Corporate Affairs Mr Eric Ametor-Quarmyne has described the publication as false. “The National Health Insurance Authority wishes to state categorically that the story is completely false. It is a total fabrication to cause mischief and disaffection among the staff of the NHIS against management.” The statement further assured staff of the NHIS across the country that no decision has been taken to reduce the salaries of staff. “The allegation frowns on good labour practices as employers could not reduce workers salaries or vary the terms of their engagement unilaterally.” “On the contrary, the Authority is presently considering a proposal for enhanced conditions of service submitted by the Unicof Local Union of the NHIS and will soon commence negotiations with them in that regard.” “The NHIA further wishes to assure its numerous clients and the general public that the scheme is not insolvent and it is on course to offer the general public with the best of services and is in a position to pay the remuneration of its entire staff as well as claims of the 5,000 Service Providers. The Authority is in no situation to warrant the deduction of staff emoluments to sustain the scheme as is being alleged in the publication,” the statement said. The statement urged employees to make use of internal mechanisms to address their grievances. Sources: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana