Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has outlined his party’s ambitious and inclusive healthcare plan, aimed at addressing the persistent challenges in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Speaking to a large gathering of enthusiastic supporters as part of his tour in the Volta Region, the NDC flagbearer outlined key elements of the NDC’s healthcare manifesto, which promises to bring healthcare services closer to Ghanaians, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“With the NDC’s healthcare plan, Ghanaians can look forward to a brighter future where quality healthcare is within reach. By prioritizing the health and well-being of our citizens, Ghana can unlock its full potential and build a prosperous future for generations to come.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
He began by acknowledging the deep-rooted issues plaguing the country’s healthcare sector, particularly the difficulty many Ghanaians face in accessing timely medical care.
Former President Mahama emphasized the NDC’s commitment to revolutionizing healthcare delivery, stating that the party’s plan is designed to improve access to care for all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
A central pillar of the NDC’s healthcare plan is the Pharmacy Care Program, which according to the former President seeks to reform the existing healthcare system by integrating clinics with pharmacies across the country.
“There are some other activities that we planned to improve access to healthcare. Under the Pharmacy Care Program, we are going to change the regime so pharmacies can have clinics attached to them”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
This innovative approach, he stressed aims to bring healthcare services directly into communities, ensuring that Ghanaians can receive prompt and professional medical attention without the need to travel long distances to hospitals.
According to him, by expanding the role of pharmacies to include clinics, the NDC aims to create a more efficient and accessible healthcare system.
Satellite Clinics in Boarding Schools
Addressing the critical healthcare needs of students, former President Mahama highlighted a critical issue affecting students in boarding schools—the lack of timely medical care, which has tragically resulted in preventable deaths.
To tackle this, he noted that NDC will establish satellite clinics in all boarding schools, asserting that these clinics will be an elevated form of the traditional sick bay and will be staffed by qualified health professionals.
“We’ve heard about students not being referred to hospitals early from boarding schools, and some of them dying. The NDC’s manifesto is going to set up satellite clinics in all boarding schools, so that when a child falls ill, they will be attended to promptly, and if they need to be referred, it will be done on time.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
This initiative, according to Mr Mahama is part of the NDC’s broader strategy to ensure that healthcare services are available where they are most needed, preventing avoidable tragedies and safeguarding the health of young Ghanaians.
Bringing Healthcare to the Workplace
In a move that could transform the way healthcare is accessed by the working population, former President Mahama announced plans to establish satellite clinics in markets and transport stations across the country.
This initiative, he noted aims to provide immediate medical care to market women, drivers, and passengers—groups that often face challenges in accessing healthcare due to their demanding work schedules.
“So, we are not leaving out passengers, we are not leaving out drivers, we are not leaving out market women. What we intend to do is to attach clinics to markets and transport stations. This way, should you fall sick at work, you’ll be attended to promptly instead of going around hospitals and not having a bed to sleep in.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
The proposal according to the NDC flagbearer is expected to significantly reduce the barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that people can receive the care they need, when they need it, without the delays and complications that have become all too common.
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer and leader concluded his address by reiterating the NDC’s commitment to ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare.
He emphasized that the party’s healthcare policy is rooted in the belief that every citizen, regardless of their background or location, deserves access to the best possible medical care.
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