Government is to subsidize breast and prostate cancer tests

Adoagyiri (E/R), Dec. 3, GNA - Responding to concerns that some cancer types were assuming a public health scare, the government has decided to subsidize all tests for prostate and breast cancers taken in both private and public hospitals for members of National Health Insurance Scheme.

This was contained in a statement read on behalf of Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, at a meeting of the Akuapem South Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on Friday at Nsawam.

He said to contain the rising incidence of both types of cancer, the government would promote greater awareness of early detection of breast cancers that afflict mostly women and prostrate cancer that is said to be affecting men.

The Finance Minister said to make the NHIS more effective to meet the needs of the people the scheme would be streamlined with the introduction of new products such as universal health insurance card and a revision of tariff on medicine.

Mr Baah-Wiredu said his ministry would support the conduct of a baseline survey in 2008 to serve as a basis for the proposed national behavioural change and communication strategy.

Other activities expected to receive funding from his ministry would include the promotion of healthy eating and safe water programmes.

The Executive Secretary of the Revenue Agencies Governing Board, Mr Harry Owusu, warned against the NHIS becoming a conduit for corrupt practices.
He appealed for public support in exposing any such deals to prevent the scheme from collapsing.

Health authorities have in recent times expressed concern about the rising cases of breast cancer related deaths among women and prostrate cancer deaths among women.

GNA