The Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority has backed a decision by the Asante Mampong Municipal Chief Executive to investigate some officials of the scheme for an alleged financial impropriety. Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh said the scheme manager, Rockson Broni, together with the Claims Officer and the Accountant, has been asked to proceed on leave by the MCE, Daniel Apau Hyeaman. Yamoah Ponkoh said the move should serve as a lesson to other officials. Following a staff meeting with service providers, Mr. Hyeaman asked the three officers to step aside for investigations after they failed to answer questions on financial impropriety. Mr. Yamoah Ponkoh said since the Act establishing the NHIS recognizes District Assemblies as part of implementation, they also have autonomous powers to take decisions to protect the scheme. He said such action will help rid off people who want to exploit the system for selfish personal gain. According to Mr. Yamoah Ponkoh, NHIS in the region is saddled with unpaid claims of about 20 million Ghana cedis accumulating from the 24 scheme offices. He said there are reports of financial malfeasance, maladministration and corruption, among other challenges facing the scheme. Mr. Yamoah Ponkoh hinted his administration will soon launch series of programs to correct the deficiencies in NHIS operations in the region. By: Ohemeng Tawiah, Nhyira Fm, Kumasi