Hajia Fathia Abdul Aziz, a Staffer at the Office of the President has cut sod for the construction of an ultramodern National Health Insurance Scheme Office Complex in the Savelugu Municipality. The project is expected to be completed within eight months.
THE CUSTODIAN has gathered officials of the Savelugu NHIS over the years has been operating in a rented accommodation.
The Head of Procurement and Projects at the National Health Insurance Authority, Mr. Frank Yeboah, told the media at the sod-cutting ceremony that the NHIS is constructing fifteen (15) district offices across the country for 2023.
However, he stated the Savelugu municipality was not part of the districts earmarked to benefit from the 2023 package.
“We at the National Health Insurance according to our plan are constructing district offices for our staff and this year, we’re doing fifteen but initially to be honest with you, Savelugu wasn’t part of it until my sister Hajia Fathia came in to plead with our executives” he explained.
Mr. Yeboah said the proposed site for the project has been handed over to the contractor and the consultant for commencement of work.
Madam Fathia in her remarks underscored the importance of access to quality healthcare to the people of Savelugu. However, she lamented in years past so many lives were lost as a result of affordability of healthcare and commended the erstwhile John Kufour led NPP government for introducing the NHIS policy.
She maintained under the Akufo-Addo government, the National Health Insurance Scheme has been expanded from 8.3 million to almost 12 million people meaning a lot more can be treated at health facilities without struggle.
“This year, the Akufo-Addo government has made available funds for construction of 15 District NHIS offices across the country. Through my instrumentality, Savelugu District has been allocated one of such projects that is why we are gathering here today to witness the sod cutting and commencement of this project that will go a long way to benefit the people of Savelugu constituency” Hajia Fathia stressed.
She further urged the contractor to consider engaging the youth of the constituency during the construction period by way of job creation. She also implored the contractor to deliver quality project within the stipulated period.
The Paramount Chief of Savelugu, Yoo Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani V, for his part said the construction of the facility will enable the effectiveness and efficiency of the NHIS staff in the municipality and therefore thanked Hajia Fathia Aziz for her intervention.
However, the Chief urged the community to support the contractor to deliver the tasked given to him but warned anybody found stealing the materials meant for the construction will be handed to the police to face the full rigors of the law.
“As we appeal to the contractor to engage indigenes of the land, the same people will steal materials for the construction and I want to caution that anyone taking away any item from the site will be handed to the commander. Remember you action will affect the quality of the work and everybody will suffer” he warned.
The Yoo Naa also appealed to the government to improve on the road infrastructure to boost economic activities in the municipality.
Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu and the Savelugu Municipal Chief Executive, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu were among the dignitaries present for the sod-cutting ceremony.
