The managements of the National Port Authority (NPA) and the Medicare Insurance have signed a medical and life insurance policy for the benefit of NPA workers and their dependents.

The signing of the policy comes a few days after the management of the NPA and Dock Workers' Union of Liberia signed a collective bargaining agreement to prioritize the Workers' welfare. The CBA was signed last Friday, April 04, 2008.

The Chairman of the NPA-Board of Directors Dr. C. William Allen signed for his management while Dr. Robert Kpoto signed as Chairman for the Medicare Board.

The well-attended signing ceremonies took place in the absence of Managing Director George Tubman yesterday in the conference room of the NPA Central offices at the Freeport of Monrovia on Bushrod Island, Monrovia.

Addressing the gathering, NPA Board Chairman Dr. C. William Allen said the Insurance coverage for Medical and Life of NPA employees are indicative that the welfare of the NPA employees is management's primary concerned.

He said for long time NPA has not been able to provide insurance coverage for its workers because the Port was not generating the needed funds coupled with the over staffing situation at the entity.

He averred that the down-sizing of over 324 has made over staffing situation manageable and NPA has regained financial viability to begin providing Medical and Life Insurance to benefit its workers and their dependents.

Dr. Allen said the selection of Medical and Life Insurance was very transparent process that followed the PPCC guidelines.

He disclosed that Medical and Life Insurance services would be provided in four counties where NPA operates Seaports in the country. He identified the counties as Freeport of Monrovia in Montserrado, Greenville Port in Greenville City, Sinoe County, Buchanan Port in Buchanan city, Grand Bassa County and the Port of Harper in Harper city, Maryland County.

According to him, the policy provides US$ 5000 cash as death benefit for NPA workers and limits all medical benefits to local services. Besides,NPA would give US$1,000 toward funeral expenses of any of its workers, thereby totaling death benefit to US$6000.

For his part, the Acting NPA Managing Director S. Raymond Bruce said the Medical and Life Insurance policy gives US$300 to NPA workers hospitalized and the policy would cater to surgeries of many kinds including in and out patient treatment at standardized health centers in the country.

Mr. Bruce revealed that the policy also provides US$5,000 cash for total body damage, the lost of two or more limbs gets US$5000, breaking of a limb or the lost of both eyes gets US$5000, and lost of one eye gets US$2500, amputation gets us$2500, amongst others.

Speaking on behalf of Medicare and life Insurance, Dr. Robert Kpoto lauded NPA for the opportunity to provide services to the Liberian people.nHe assured NPA and workers of better services. "Our services will be so good for you guys until you will praise us and the administration will be very happy with us and you are our priorities."

Dr. Kpoto said his patients are his priorities without any compromise while pleading with the workers to desist from taking medications from sub-standard medical places and ensured them of the best of services. "We've selected the best medical centers for you nationwide for your use". The policy took effect yesterday, April 9, 2008.