Mahama Advocates for Partnerships to Improve Healthcare Access
President John Mahama has expressed worry over Ghana’s preparedness to effectively combat non-communicable diseases, revealing a significant gap in diagnostic and treatment capabilities at major health facilities outside Accra and Kumasi.
Addressing the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders’ Summit on Tuesday, December 9, President Mahama highlighted that non-communicable diseases are responsible for 45 per cent of Ghana’s disease burden.
He stated that many regional and district hospitals lack the essential equipment needed to accurately diagnose and treat conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. “Major health facilities outside Accra and Kumasi lack adequate equipment to diagnose and treat non-communicable diseases,” he reiterated.
Recognizing the strides being made by the private sector, the President indicated the government’s intention to leverage the Mahama Cares policy to extend the Ghana Medical Trust Fund initiative to include private healthcare providers.
“We are going to put money into diagnostics and treatment facilities. But, we will only do it if we do it in conjunction with the private sector,” President Mahama said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
He firmly stated that public-private partnerships are no longer a matter of choice but a necessity in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, also in attendance at the summit, echoed the President’s sentiments, stressing the vital role of partnerships. “Even the strongest nation’s vision cannot succeed without partnerships. Health sovereignty is not about walking alone, it is about leading a collective effort,” he explained.
Mr. Akandoh further announced the development of a centralised national health intelligence database. This database, he said, will promote transparency and facilitate evidence-based decision-making at all levels of the healthcare system, ultimately improving service delivery.
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