Deputy Ranking Member of Health in the Parliamentary Select Committee, Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane has indicated that it may be merely a dream for one to suggest that Ghana can achieve universal health coverage in the next couple of years because of the lackadaisical attitude of the Akufo-Addo-led government toward the development of health.
Despite the springing up of the government’s flagship health programme; Agenda 111, the MP for the Nabdam Constituency said the project as it stands lacks a proper source of funding.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East Show, the MP explained that since the commencement of the implementation of the project, minority MPs in Parliament still struggle to get an explicit understanding of its funding source.
He said, “this Agenda 111 hospital project is something we in parliament are struggling to get a clear picture of the funding source and also the policy strategies after its implementation. So, for us to conclude that such an initiative will help us achieve universal health coverage is a betrayal of a dream, to begin with.”
“Universal healthcare delivery under this government has not gained the needed support like successive governments. Under former President John Mahama what didn’t we see, most regional hospitals received equipment and even some from start to finish were equipped with the necessary equipment for the smooth running of healthcare. But here is the case we can even link the latter under this government. It is sad and I don’t want to just cry but it is really sad because as a nation we are not making enough efforts in our healthcare system.”
“Make a trip to various communities and you will realize that this government is somewhat failed to provide basic amenities needed to improve quality healthcare. Some health facilities lack basic equipment; so, tell me how could that help us to achieve the universal healthcare that we are looking for. This government needs to wake up from its slumber,” he added.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|Ghana
