At a recent press briefing dubbed “Time with Sectoral Spokespersons” on NDC’s 2024 Manifesto, Professor K. Titus Beyou, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Lambussie Constituency and Spokesperson for the NDC 2024 Manifesto on Health, unveiled an ambitious and detailed plan for transforming Ghana’s healthcare system.
This plan, outlined in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, he noted focuses on enhancing healthcare delivery, expanding infrastructure, improving conditions for healthcare workers, and fostering development in the herbal and pharmaceutical sectors.
One of the cornerstone policies of the next NDC/Mahama government according to Professor Beyou will be the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy.
“In the sector of health care financing, the NDC proposes that we will uncap the National Health Insurance Scheme. The National Health Insurance Levy has been capped and for those who don’t understand it, an act was passed in 2017, first to reduce how much government can disperse under the levies we all, contribute to 25%.
“As if that was not enough, it was further reduced to 17.5%. And so not all our levies go to the NHIA fund for them to have access to it”.
Professor K. Titus Beyou, NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Lambussie Constituency and Spokesperson for NDC Manifesto on Health.
Professor Beyou emphasized that this move would ensure the timely release of payments to service providers, thereby enhancing financial sustainability and improving the quality of healthcare services available to Ghanaians.
Additionally, Professor Beyou mentioned that the NDC plans to establish the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, dubbed “MAHAMACARES.”
This fund, he explained is designed to provide financial support for the treatment of chronic diseases such as kidney failure (dialysis), cancers, Sickle Cell disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases.
“Chronic diseases are a significant burden on our healthcare system and the lives of many Ghanaians. MAHAMACARES will provide the needed relief,” stated Professor Beyou.
Furthermore, the NDC aims to implement free primary healthcare from the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds to the polyclinic level, in the short to medium term.
This policy, Professor Beyou noted is expected to expand access to essential health services for all Ghanaians, especially those in underserved areas.
Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure
To bolster healthcare infrastructure, Professor Beyou laid out an extensive plan to expand and upgrade facilities across the country.
Key projects includes the construction of a 500-bed Specialist Children’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Accra.
This facility, he stated will cater specifically to the health needs of children and families facing fertility issues, filling a significant gap in specialized pediatric and reproductive health services.
According to Professor Beyou, the Korle Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals will be upgraded to ultra-modern standards, reducing the need for medical care and training abroad.
The NDC also plans to expand the Ho Teaching Hospital to provide comprehensive specialist services, establishing it as a quaternary hospital in the Volta Region to attract medical tourism.
In response to the need for specialized emergency services, Professor Beyou announced that a Specialist and Trauma Hospital will be built in the Oti Region, strategically located to respond to emergencies along the eastern corridor road.
Moreover, Professor Beyou indicated that the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) will be upgraded to a full Teaching Hospital, linked to the College of Physicians and Surgeons for specialist training.
Other hospitals, including the Navrongo War Memorial Hospital and facilities in Bawku, Yendi, and additional towns, according to Professor Beyou will also receive upgrades and new constructions based on a needs assessment.
Supporting Health Workers
Highlighting the critical role of health workers, Professor Beyou announced that the NDC plans several initiatives to improve their conditions and career prospects.
Key measures includes establishing a College of Allied Health Sciences to serve as a postgraduate professional institute, promoting specialist training and continuous professional development for allied health workers.
The NDC 2024 manifesto according to Professor Beyou also outlines plans to introduce degree and specialist nursing programs, provide scholarships for nurse tutors to pursue PhD-level education, and complete additional campuses of the University of Health and Allied Sciences.
To protect health workers from job-related risks, Professor Beyou noted that the NDC will introduce a ‘Risk Exposure Insurance.’
Additionally, a vehicle tax waiver scheme will be reintroduced and regulated, and affordable accommodation within health facility premises will be provided, along with home ownership schemes.
Again, health workers who accept postings to rural and underserved areas according to Professor Beyou will receive a decent rural allowance of 20% of their basic salary, shorter service periods for promotion, and study leave, encouraging them to serve where they are most needed.
Herbal, Traditional, and Alternative Medicines Development
The NDC’s manifesto also emphasized the importance of integrating herbal, traditional, and alternative medicine into mainstream healthcare.
Professor Beyou pointed out that research-backed practices in these areas will be mainstreamed at all levels of patient management, providing a more holistic approach to healthcare.
Pharmaceutical Sector Development
To position Ghana as a pharmaceutical hub in Africa, Professor Beyou underscored the NDC’s pledge to support the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana with various incentives.
This move according to him, aims to boost local production of pharmaceuticals, reduce dependency on imports, and create jobs within the sector.
“These are highlights of the manifesto, I will proceed to conclude ladies and gentlemen and I will ask in conclusion can we trust that these policies will be implemented to promote quality health care delivery? And I say a confident yes. Why is it yes? The messenger is credible and trustworthy.
The NDC and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama have a track record in the health sector. To us, the doctors and nurses, our first ever codified conditions of service document was done by the government of the NDC. And we are forever grateful”.
Professor K. Titus Beyou, NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Lambussie Constituency and Spokesperson for NDC Manifesto on Health.
Professor Beyou strongly asserted that the NDC’s health manifesto presents a comprehensive plan for transforming Ghana’s healthcare system.
He contended that by focusing on financial reforms, infrastructure development, worker support, and the integration of alternative medicine, the party promises to deliver a healthcare system that is not only accessible and affordable but also robust and sustainable.
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