The Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Akosua Manu, has urged the youth in the health sector to sharpen their skills for the opportunities Agenda 111 will present.
Speaking on the employment prospects of the project, she indicated that it was an undeniable employment avenue for persons in and outside the health sector.
“So, Agenda 111 beyond the impact it’s going to have, the youth are clearly going to benefit. For people that have been waiting and hoping that they get into the space, I think this is the time to sharpen up whatever skills that they have acquired so that they will be in full position to get opportunities presented.”
Akosua Manu
She further said the project is an exciting one and the government was very ambitious. She indicated that, if government is able to pull offthe project, it will go down as the single most ambitious and profound achievement ever in the health sector.
“Now when it comes to National Youth Authority (NYA), being the agency when it comes to youth matters, without a doubt the, 111 district hospitals are going to create a lot of opportunities for the youth.
“It is exciting to hear this because year and year on we hear backlog that nurses and doctors are trying to find opportunities. You find nurses still trying to seek greener pastures outside of the space especially nurses that go for training in private institutions, although I would say that there is some change when it comes to that.”
Akosua Manu
Government intentional in providing for medical professionals
Akosua Manu moreover said there is enough data to support the fact that the government has been very intentional to make sure that it provides for the medical professionals.
“If you take nurses training allowances for instance,;although their allowance is not particularly life changing, it cushions the nurses somewhat.
“And you always see the excitement on social media when they receive the alert. It has almost become a Christmas event for them after realizing that a promise that was made has been kept.”
Akosua Manu
She further averred that, there are structural problems in getting the health sector in the country to work. However, she noted that, a lot has been done to show that government is intentional and committed.
“I am rehashing this because of the concerns that;the Agenda 111 is too big of a project for government to undertake. They are asking how it’s going to happen and be delivered. But we do know that when the government promises, it delivers.”
Akosua Manu
Highlighting some of the achievements in the health sector,;she posited that the drone technology introduced by government also created employment for the people involved in the project.
“So, there’s been value addition and it has subsequently generated opportunities for young people. Other countries are learning from us and tapping into our knowledge. Zipline for instance,;every few months, we see them taking other personnel from outside the country,;coming to understand what is being done and how we are able to do it.” NYA
Akosua Manu