Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that the Agenda 111 Project is to bridge a 60 year gap in access to health facilities across the country.
He indicated that the decision to undertake arguably the largest investment in the country’s health care system arose from government’s determination to resolve the lack of access to healthcare facilities, especially in remote areas of the country.
Inspecting progress of work on one of the dozens of new hospitals under construction across the country at Bunkprugu in the North East Region, Dr Bawumia stated that it was the first time a concerted effort has been made to ensure that every Ghanaian, irrespective of where they live, has access to a quality health facility within a relatively short distance.
“The Agenda 111 Project is to bridge a 60 year gap in access to health facilities across the country. 90 districts in our country do not have district hospitals, six regions do not have regional hospitals [and] large parts of our country do not have access to Specialist hospital facilities and services. This is despite over 60 years of being Independent.”
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
The Vice President stated that the government of President Akufo-Addo took the bold decision to build these hospitals to meet the health care needs of the people of Ghana and also ensure that every district has a hospital and every region, a regional hospital.
“This will greatly increase access to health care, prevent avoidable, preventable deaths and reduce the suffering of our people.”
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
The Vice President had earlier inspected ongoing works at Savelugu and Yendi, both in the Northern Region, as part of the first leg of his working visit to the five northern regions of Ghana. He was accompanied by Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare, Presidential Adviser on Health; Hon Ambrose Dery, Minister for Interior and other government officials.
Paramount chief lauds VP
Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of Bunkpurugu Traditional Area, Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong, has urged the Vice President to focus on his good works for the country and not be discouraged by the negativity of his opponents. He underscored that the Vice President’s opponents will always find negative things to say about him.
Welcoming Dr Bawumia on his working visit of the north, the Bunkpurugu Naba, commended him for his “indefatigable leadership” and the recognition he has given to the people of Bunkpurugu and the north in general.
“I am excited having you present at my Palace, once again, to pay a courtesy call on me and my people in the Bunkpurugu Traditional Area. We are highly delighted having you with us today, because of the recognition you have given us as a people in this part of our country.”
Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong
The paramount chief described the Vice President as a “true statesman” and an “astute modern politician” who has efficiently aided President Akufo-Addo to maintain law and order.
Additionally, he lauded him for playing a significant role in the implementation of “people centred policies” that have touched the life of every Ghanaian, especially in the Bunkpurugu – Nakpanduri District such as Free SHS policy, Planting for Food and Jobs, extension of electricity and improvement on roads.
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