The Obuasi Municipal Mutual Health Insurance Scheme has at as March 2007 registered 64,256 people under the scheme. Total identity cards issued are 56,021 with 2.1 billion cedis collected as premium. Edna Baffour Awuah, the Manager of the Scheme who disclosed this during an interaction with the Ashanti Regional Deputy Minister, Osei Assibey Antwi at Obuasi said total claims paid stands at 112.9 million cedis whilst total attendance by beneficiaries under the scheme is 54,223. She said the scheme uses seven health facilities which are the Bryant Mission, St Jude and Government Hospitals, Kunka Clinic, Obuasi Diagnostic Centre and Elim pharmacy. The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is the referral point. Baffour Awuah said 14 pay points, the first of its kind to be mounted in the entire nation, became operational in April last year. According to her, four bicycles have been deployed to assist in the registration and collection of premiums in four electoral areas. The Scheme Manager mentioned lack of means of transport for the activities of the scheme, the misconception that 72,OOO cedis is the premium across board and excessive use of health facilities by clients as major challenges facing the scheme. The Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister commended the managers and staff of the scheme and urged those who are yet to register with the scheme to do so as it has immense advantages. He said Ghanaians have come to appreciate the importance of the NHIS in health service delivery in the country and urged all Ghanaians to embrace the scheme. Osei Assibey Antwi advised the scheme managers and staff to treat all beneficiaries with respect and extend all the necessary courtesies to them. Credit:T he Statesman