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The National Pensioners Association (NPA) has called on the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to continue with the National Endowment Fund in order to cater for their health challenges.

     He said the most humiliating thing in a man’s life was to be detained in the hospital due to lack of funds to clear hospital bills, explaining that, there was the need for a National Health Endowment fund for pensioners to cater for their hospital bills.

     Mr Edward Ameyibor, the General Secretary, NPA made the call at the awards ceremony as part of the silver jubilee celebration of the Association.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ameyibor said the awardees were people who worked hard with honesty to have laid a sound foundation for the NPA together with a few others whom they had earlier awarded.

     “It is said those who do not recognise their heroes are not worthy to be served. We do this at the family level where we give respect to the elderly and pride ourselves with their achievements. At the national level, similar recognition is given to heroes of our nation.’’

     Posthumous awards were given to Mr Seth Sowa Akpor Mensah, First National Chairman, Mr. David Kotei, National Vice Chairman, Mr Solomon Tawiah Yemoson, General Secretary while meritorious awards were presented to Mr Seth Ametefe Sesi, current National Chairman and Mrs Janet Amerley Esseku, first female member.

    ‘’They were all men of valour, foresight and determination who would be glad that their efforts have yielded great results with membership of the association around 70,000, a recreational centre, and a Pensioners Medical Scheme which has helped more them 500 pensioners in critical health situation.

     “We are working with 68 hospitals throughout the country taking care of prostrate cases in men, gynaecological cancers in women, eye problems, stroke and physiotherapy and a minimal refund of GH¢25 to pensioners for prescribed drugs at designated pharmacies,’’ he said.

    The Awardees commended the Executives of the NPA for the honour bestowed on them.