Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator
DECRYING THE practice by some medical facilities to withhold documents needed to process birth certificates until hospital fees are paid, Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Ken Baugh, has called for the immediate discontinuation of the procedure.
In his contribution to the 2006/2007 Sectoral Debate in Parliament Tuesday, Dr. Baugh said despite reassurances by the former Minister of Health, John Junor to address the issue, the practice continues, leading to thousands of children who sat the GSAT exams having no birth certificates.
"I call upon the Minister of Health to put measures in place immediately which would identify the children without birth certificates and have these certificates provided at the Government's expense," Dr. Baugh said.
According to the Shadow Spokesman on Health, the situation of children being denied birth certificates because of the parent's inability to pay hospital fees should be stopped, as it makes a mockery of efforts to protect the rights of the child.
Dr. Baugh also urged the Government to restructure the National Health Fund (NHF) and expand its coverage beyond chronic illnesses. He wants the NHF to cover trauma, fractures and infectious diseases such as childhood diseases to include leukaemia and cancer.
On another matter, Dr. Baugh said the GCT on health insurance premiums should be removed and a system of taxation credits for premiums paid be introduced to encourage employers to offer health insurance.
