Mills in Massive Abuse of Office Nov 14, 2009
Officials of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) headquarters were surprised when, a couple of months ago, the vociferous, onetime spokesperson of Dr. Ekwow Spio Garbrah and the former features editor of the Ghana Palaver, Mr. Eric Kwame Ametor walked into the offices of the NHIA with his application letter in one hand, and a reference letter in the other ... Ametor Kwame has since been employed as the Head of Cooperate Affairs of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Last quarter of 2010 tentative date for one-time NHIS premium Nov 13, 2009
Accra, Nov. 12, GNA - The latter part of 2010 has been fixed for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) one-time premium payment. Currently, a proposal has been tabled for the one-time payment and there are on-going consultations with stakeholders in the sector. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Pelosi's New Payroll Tax: A Whip for Socialized Medicine Nov 12, 2009
Joe Barton of Texas, ranking Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, set out a startling scenario in floor debate Saturday before the House approved the health care bill pushed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The bill would slap an 8 percent tax on the payrolls of employers who do not provide health insurance to their workers and pay at least 65 percent of the premiums for an employee who has a family insurance plan and 72. (Human Events Online)
Zita Must Go -NDC MP Nov 12, 2009
Earlier, the Minister for Heath designate, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, had told the Committee that the ruling NDC is still committed to its campaign pledge of instituting the one-off premium for the National health Insurance Scheme. Dr Kunbuor, who was the Deputy Minister for Health until his nomination, said, Having been at the Ministry for sometime now, I am convinced the onetime premium is achievable and sustainable. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Minister orders Health Training Institutions to review fees Nov 12, 2009
On National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Kumbuor said government was re-packaging the programme to seal loop-holes identified out of its implementation. He gave the assurance that the one time NHIS premium would soon be implemented since feasibility studies indicated that it was workable and could be sustained. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
50 communities in Atwima Mponua call for rehabilitation of roads Nov 11, 2009
Mrs Adomako Tawiah appealed to the people to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme for better health care. She also urged them to rekindle their self-help spirit to receive assistance from the assembly. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Dont miss chance for health-care reform Nov 11, 2009
"IF that is a good thing then please explain while all other major industrialized nations that provide universal health care have much lower survival rates across the board for all major deseases such as cancer?Overall Cancer Survival Rates. According to the survey of cancer survival rates in Europe and the United States, published recently in Lancet Oncology : 1 American women have a 63 percent chance of living at least five years after a cancer diagnosis, compared to 56 percent for European... (Nogales International, AZ)
NPP & 6bn contract scam Nov 10, 2009
He stressed the governments commitment to the implementation of the one-time health insurance premium payment, as a further improvement on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), as well as undertaking necessary reviews in order to streamline the current system which is beset with several challenges, including downright fraud and theft at both the facility level and administration of the scheme. The Vice President gave the assurance that the government was concerned about the various... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ghana is going ABABASEEE!!! -NPP UK and Ireland Nov 10, 2009
For us it is very intresting that when we were in office, Some of the very things that we initiated that were criticised by you and your party i.e., the National Youth Employment Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Ghana School Feeding Programme,the Metro Mass Transit Buses, Masloc Loans to support small scale businesses, The renovation of government buildings such as Peduase Lodge and The Jubilee House which you rebuked and said you will use for poultry farming if you were... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NHIB conducts nationwide assessment of health facilities Nov 10, 2009
Nkoranza (B/A), Nov. 9, GNA - The National Health Insurance Board is conducting a nationwide assessment of health facilities to ascertain their viability to provide quality health services. A team of experts have therefore been deployed to visit all health facilities to implement the exercise. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
SNEAKER OF THE HOUSE: PASSED ON A SATURDAY NIGHT Nov 9, 2009
John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955. But minority Republicans cataloged their objections across hours of debate on the 1,990-page, $1. (The Drudge Report)
RE-Ghanaians Complain Too Much-President Mills Nov 9, 2009
Secondly, you promised Ghanaians that, you cared so much for their health and promised them that, when they vote for you as president you would ensure a one term premium for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) have you done it President Mills. Thirdly, you promise creating employment for the teaming graduates who are unemployed when you were looking for power, but rather, you officialise graduate unemployment in the country by freezing recruitment into the public sector. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Talks in Philadelphia transit strike break off Nov 9, 2009
In my 32 years in government, I have never been more disappointed by a negotiation than I am right now tonight, Gov. Ed Rendell told reporters Saturday evening (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Health plan clears House Nov 9, 2009
John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955. In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups. (Albany Times Union)
Overweight Americans push back in the health care debate Nov 9, 2009
"All national health insurance systems are built on the idea that we're all part of a community, we all get sick and die, so we're going to take care of one another," said James Morone, a professor of political science and urban studies at Brown University. "The best philosophical way to stop national health insurance is to say we're not a community, it's 'us vs. them." ... "All national health insurance systems are built on the idea that we're all part of a community, we all get sick and die,... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Shoot to kill talk and lack of plans get same results Nov 9, 2009
All the talk of nationalising the mines, expanding the age limit for the child grant and implementing a national health insurance scheme sounds great at first. We live in the most unequal society on earth and these things, we are told, will help fix this and deliver us into a more equitable and caring society. (Business Report, South Africa)
* Ma backs DOH ministers insurance reform Nov 8, 2009
President Ma Ying-jeou (^E) yesterday gave his backing to Department of Health (DOH) Minister Yaung Chih-liangs (}) plans to reform the National Health Insurance scheme ... I endorse and support his policy for reforming the National Health Insurance, Ma said during the opening speech of the annual seminar of the Formosan Medical Association at the Taipei International Convention Center yesterday ... Ma said that the National Health Insurance has been extremely popular since its... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Philly Transit Union Talks Broken Off Nov 8, 2009
He said the talks finally broke down over the union's insistence on being able to audit the pension fund and on the possible impact of national health insurance reform. Transport Workers Union Local 234 represents about 5,000 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority who walked off the job early Tuesday over pension benefits. (Fox News)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 8, 2009
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
Most Ghanaian workers lack vital information about social security Nov 7, 2009
From 2005 to 2009 the Regional Women Union undertook a number of activities including deliberations on social security, the National Health Insurance Scheme, batik production and other business initiatives. The conference elected new executives to steer affairs for the next four years. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NHIA to be a model in Africa Nov 6, 2009
Sunyani Nov. 6, GNA - The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is geared towards the building of a scheme that will stand out as a model in Africa and beyond, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the authority said on Thursday. Mr. Sylvester Mensah said the objective could be achieved through the provision of affordable, accessible and quality health care services, with highly enthusiastic professionals who value their clients. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NHIA to fast-track payment of claims Nov 6, 2009
Accra, Nov. 5, GNA - The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is to fast track payment of claims to providers to ensure smooth running of the scheme ... Addressing the last day of the month-long training workshop in Accra on Thursday, Mr Sylvester Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, said management had observed that vetting processes of claims for immediate payment had been slow resulting in a backlog of claims ... The National Health Insurance... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
People in Effutu asked to register with NHIS Nov 6, 2009
Winneba(C/R), Nov. 5, GNA - Two health personnel of the Winneba Government Hospital have appealed to people in the community, to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable them access free medical care at the facility. Dr George Prah, a Traumacologist at the hospital and Mr Emmanuel Essandoh, Nursing Officer In-charge at the Casualty department of the hospital made the appealed at separates interview with the Ghana News Agency in Winneba. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Health care issues: Other presidents have tried Nov 5, 2009
Franklin Roosevelt promoted national health insurance but gave priority to jobs and retirement security during the Depression. Harry Truman fought for a single insurance system to cover everyone but ran into Republican opposition and the cries of "socialized medicine" heard again today. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Cosatu wants 3% in interest rate Nov 5, 2009
Nehawu also backed Cosatu's call for more details on the National Health Insurance scheme, and wondered why there was very little provision to be seen in the medium term statement. Although Cosatu praised the extension of the child support grant until 18, Govender said the unions wanted more clarity on what the rate of the grant would be in 2010, saying that the grant has not been inflation-proofed and is now worth much less than it was. (Business Report, South Africa)
Koforidua Regional Hospital commended Nov 4, 2009
Koforidua, Nov. 3, GNA - The Koforidua Regional Hospital has been commended for its efficient Health Insurance Claims Administration system that captures almost all the essential data on the National Health Insurance Scheme. Mr Vincent Ocran of the Centre for Management Research and Professional Development of the University of Ghana Business School said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Koforidua. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Health institutions in Bolgatanga operating at 17 per cent capacity Nov 4, 2009
Mr. Dery said due to the National Health Insurance Scheme, the medical facilities were recording a large number of patients, hence the need to train more health workers and also attract postings to the region. He said refusal of personnel to accept postings to the area was hampering health delivery. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Health Care Progress Report: November 2 Nov 3, 2009
Also, the House bill would establish a national health insurance exchange, or "marketplace" for different insurance plans. By contrast, health care bills passed in Senate committees would permit states to establish their own exchanges. (CBS News -- Politics)
Toast, fries, and kisses: Everything is better French Nov 3, 2009
France's national health insurance program is generally regarded as providing world-class service to all its citizens. Clean, modern public transportation, even in smaller French cities would be the envy of any American metropolis. (Christian Science Monitor)
Tepa Government Hospital gets medical equipment Nov 3, 2009
He cautioned against inflating bills of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card-holders, who report to the health facilities for treatment. This, he said, could collapse the scheme, an intervention that has so far proved beneficial, particularly to the poor. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Chief asks government to reduce waiting time of NHIS clients Oct 31, 2009
Gomoa-Kyiren (C/R), Oct. 30, GNA - A chief in the Central Region, has called on the government to reduce the waiting time for fresh clients of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), from three months to one month. Nana Twumasi Owuyaa III, Tufohene (Sub-chief) of Gomoa Sampa, who made the call, suggested the need for effective mechanisms to be put in place to ensure that expired NHIS Identification cards are renewed on the very day a client applies for a new card. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Accountants asked to learn lesson from Ghana at 50 probes Oct 30, 2009
The Eastern Regional Administrator of Health Services, Mr Dua Oyinka called on Health Service Accountants to develop good accounting principles to support the Management of Health Services to achieve improved financial reporting through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and to ensure sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme. Earlier in a welcoming address, the President of the Association, Mr Maxwell Obuobisa Darko called for the speedy redress of delays in... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
2009 Glaucoma Week is launched Oct 30, 2009
The celebration on the theme "Glaucoma, Medications and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)" is to promote awareness on the disease through discussions on the television, radio and visit to institutions and churches, free eye screening. Glaucoma exist when the intra ocular pressure has been raised over a period causing damage to the optic nerve with corresponding loss of visual function. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Gordhan's maiden effort Oct 29, 2009
There is also a real risk of increased taxes, particularly indirect taxation via instruments such as the implementation of the envisaged National Health Insurance. The combined effect will retard recovery in consumer spending and thus the economy at large. (iAfrica.com)
* Reasons to reward organ donors Oct 29, 2009
Taiwans organ donors and their relatives, patients who need transplants, the medical community, the Bureau of National Health Insurance and the government will always lose out under this regime. To increase practical benefits for organ donors and those waiting for organ transplants and to increase the number of sources for organs, Article 12 of the Act, which states that donors should not receive remuneration, needs to be reassessed. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Democrats Worth Hearing Oct 29, 2009
With health insurance "reform," opting-out, is really opting-in for eventual single-payer national health insurance that will include rationing -- especially for seniors, who will be told by government what treatment they are allowed -- higher taxes, longer waits and substandard care. Several Democrats have been honest about where this is headed. (Townhall.com)
Gone are the songs and poems, but cheer prevails Oct 28, 2009
Investec said it was expected that higher electricity tariffs proposed for next year would add to the burden - as would taxes imposed by the national health insurance. The Debt Councillors' Association said about 115 000 people had applied for debt counselling, and this was rising by about 9 000 a month. (Business Report, South Africa)
National Health Insurance Scheme on course- Mr Mensah Oct 28, 2009
Accra, Oct. 27, GNA - Mr Sylvester Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, has entreated the Ashiedu Keteke community to show interest in the sustainability of their mutual health insurance scheme. "Your interest in the sustainability of the scheme would mean that you will work to prevent impersonation of registered members of the scheme, prevent frivolous use of services, serve as watchdog over activities of service providers and ensure government policies... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Chief calls for refurbishment of Yaa Asantewaa Museum Oct 28, 2009
The DCE counselled those who had not registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to do so to enable them to have access to quality health care. Mrs Tawiah later visited Bayerebon Number Three, Akobraso, Kojo-Fordjourkrom and Bayerebon Number Two. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* BNHI to extend coverage for patients with hepatitis Oct 28, 2009
The Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) yesterday announced a new policy to extend the insurance plans coverage of medicines for patients suffering from hepatitis B and hepatitis C.. For hepatitis B patients, the period for which their medicines are covered by National Health Insurance will be extended from 18 months to 36 months. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Oct 27, 2009
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
My View: Public option plan's big flaw: It does little to keep prices down Oct 27, 2009
Single-payer national health insurance may be the best outcome, but we should get there after an honest debate, not through the back door. So all the attention on whether Obama will get a public plan, as he says he hopes, misses the bigger point. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Massive Corruption Made Ex-President Kufuor Unfit For Mo Ibrahim Award Oct 27, 2009
The group cited corrupt practices at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD and the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing. Kwasi Pratt stated that there were doubtful payments at the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
The Fumbling Atta Mills Government Oct 27, 2009
Other areas include the School Feeding Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the general Education Policy of the country. The general direction of the economy is south-bound and investor confidence is in close pursuit. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Read today's letters to the editor Oct 26, 2009
Again, President Obama used a TV segment to promote his compulsory national health insurance plan. This time he surrounded himself with people clad in white lab coats (supposedly representing the medical profession. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
RE: Why Mo Ibrahim Snubbed Kufuor. Oct 26, 2009
Kufuors school feeding programme, capitation grant, national health Insurance and others have benefitted hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians, especially those in deprived regions. Kufuor also did his best to improve the countrys infrastructure. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
That was a cowardly act, Mo Ibrahim Oct 26, 2009
Plans for Free meals and uniforms for school children, National Health Insurance Schemes, Rule of Law, tolerance, easy mobility from improved State Transport and Communications Systems were some of the features of Kuffours government. He restored Ghanas battered international image to its former glory. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Love Community Chapel inaugurates hospital Oct 26, 2009
Nana Akomea, Member of Parliament for Okaikoi South pledged to assist the hospital to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme and ensure that the road to the hospital is tarred. 25 Oct. 09. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
National health care is good Oct 24, 2009
When I came to America in 1963, I was shocked that the richest country in the world didn't have a national health insurance plan. England has had this since 1948. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
House health care bill exceeds $1 trillion Oct 24, 2009
El Gabilon wrote on Sep 8, 2009 2:49 PM:" As we understand it, Medicare pays 80% and the remainder is paid for by ones supplemental insurance. Secondly in order to get the rich to pay their fair share of taxes, it is up to us as citizens to write, email, call, demand, etc. that the congress sees that it is done. When the demand is great you have a chance, when it is not forgedaboudit. We do not agree with fines for people who do not have health insurance. We believe it is in the best interests... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Oh Ghana! Lets start to do a few things right! Oct 24, 2009
NHIS: The National Health Insurance concept is a laudable idea and superior to the cash and carry system. However, as in any major undertaking, there were issues that needed to be addressed to minimize abuse and to ensure the long term sustainability of the scheme. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NHIS risks collapse Oct 23, 2009
Sogakope, Oct 22, GNA - Dr Raymond Atugubah, a lawyer, has said the National Health Insurance Scheme risked premature collapse under its current legislative management and administrative structure ... Dr Atuguba said Article 650 created a dichotomy on the role of the National Health Insurance Authority over the District Mutual Health Schemes, which by their establishment are autonomous, thus creating problems such as the inability to check frauds and other issues in the district. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Superstition, main cause of maternal morbidity in Ghana - NGOs Oct 22, 2009
He said government on reviewing legislations governing the National Health Insurance Scheme, should create adequate avenues for the contributions and input of Civil Society and include clients in the National Health Insurance Authority. The resolution called for a review of existing health laws to ensure harmonisation of activities for efficient health care delivery and establish a fund to be drawn directly from the Consolidated Fund for activities of CSOs. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Chereponi people not patronizing the NHIS Oct 21, 2009
Chereponi (NR), Oct. 21, GNA - Most people in Chereponi do not patronize the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) because there is no office to register clients in the district. Alhaji Seidu Issah Abah, District Chief Executive for Chereponi, who announced this during the second session of the Assembly, appealed to the National Health Insurance Authority to open an office in the district. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Illness often undiscovered and undertreated among the uninsured: Harvard study Oct 20, 2009
Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, professor of medicine at Harvard and study co-author, said: "The uninsured suffer the most, but even Americans with insurance have shocking rates of undertreatment, in part because high co-payments and deductibles often make care and medications unaffordable. We need to upgrade coverage for the insured, as well as covering the uninsured. Only single-payer national health insurance would make care affordable for the tens of millions of Americans with chronic illnesses."... (EurekAlert!)
Green Tea Reduces Risk of Dying from Pneumonia Oct 20, 2009
Watanabe and colleagues assessed how drinking green tea affected the risk of dying from pneumonia among 19,079 men and 21,493 women receiving National Health Insurance in Japan. The study population ranged from 40 to 79 years old and had no reported history of cancer, heart attack, stroke at the start of the study. (Newsmax)
* Expatriates face new insurance restrictions Oct 20, 2009
OVERSEAS TAIWANESE: Expatriates and students living abroad will need to come back to Taiwan for four months before they can re-enter the national health insurance program, a bill says STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA Tuesday, Oct 20, 2009, Page 4. A bill to amend the nations National Health Insurance Act (dOIk) would prevent Taiwanese expatriates or students living or studying overseas from benefiting from the countrys health insurance privileges, a Department of Health (DOH) official said... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Insanitary living threatens NHIS survival Oct 20, 2009
Extension services Coordinator of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency CWSA Theodora Adomako Adjei has warned that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) faces imminent extinction if the scheme does not focus on the issues of hygiene. She said if the issues of hygiene are not addressed properly, there could come a time when the scheme may not have money to run. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
President inaugurates Saviour Church Hospital at Osiem Oct 19, 2009
Earlier in a welcome address, the General Superintendent of the Church, Opanyin Abraham Kweku Adusei, appealed to the Ministry of Health for support to get the hospital accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority, so that many people could access the facility and also enable the hospital to raise the necessary revenue to operate efficiently. He appealed to the President to support the hospital with an ambulance to enable it to easily transport patients referred from the hospital to the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Commitment to development challenges yielding positive results- NAPRM Oct 19, 2009
There have been remarkable improvements in the education and health sectors, following the implementation of the Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programme, as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme. The report said government through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has undertaken infrastructural development in the primary, secondary, polytechnics and universities, resulting in some significant increase in school enrolment and improve in the environment for teaching and... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
HIV Scandal Hits Yamoah Ponkoh Oct 17, 2009
Reacting to the story in an interview with DAILY GUIDE, the outspoken politician alleged that the publications were being engineered by his detractors who were not enthused about his new appointment as Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme ... According to Yamoah Ponkoh, who was recently appointed the Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), his detractors were concocting these stories about him because they wanted him to lose focus on his new... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Taiwan News Quick Take Oct 16, 2009
People who fail to obtain a new electronic alien resident certificate (ARC), alien permanent resident certificate (APRC) or Republic of China (Taiwan) resident certificate by Dec. 31 this year will not be able to apply for driver's licenses, national health insurance or bank accounts in Taiwan, NIA officials said. Last month, the agency sent notifications to people still holding paper versions of the three types of foreign resident cards, asking them to apply for their new ID cards at NIA... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Personnel of the NHIS attend capacity-building workshop Oct 16, 2009
The course initiated by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHI= A), assisted the officers to appraise their past performance and renew their commitment towards the total realization of goals set by the NHIA. In a speech read on his behalf, Mr. Sylvester A. Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), advi= sed workers of the Scheme to define where the policy is at the moment, and pa= int a clear picture of where they want it to be in the coming years.... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Health care protesters arrested at downtown Portland building Oct 16, 2009
A nurse was among 11 people arrested Thursday at a protest against a national health insurance company. The group Health Care for All organized protests in cities nationwide against Regence BlueCross/BlueShield s insurance practices and lobbying efforts. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
* Researchers detect knee problems at an earlier stage Oct 14, 2009
Citing statistics released by the Bureau of National Health Insurance in 2002, the university said the country spent NT$4 billion (US$125 million) a year treating the disease, the statement said. In cooperation with the Joint Center of Buddhist Tzu Chi Dalin General Hospital in Chiayi County, university researchers found that most OA cases could be easily controlled with the less invasive procedure, the statement said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
