By Samira Larbie
Accra, Aug. 25, GNA – Mr John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says his government will establish a Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (MAHAMACARES) if elected in the December polls.
The Fund will support the cost of health care for persons with chronic diseases such as kidney failure (dialysis), cancers, sickle cell disease, diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases.
Mr Mahama said this at the launch of the NDC’s Manifesto for the 2024 General Election in the Central Region on Saturday.
It was themed; “Resetting Ghana Jobs. Accountability. Prosperity.”
He said the NDC would uncap the National Health Insurance Levy and ensure the timely release of payments to service providers and additional funds to finance health care for Ghanaians.
“We will implement Free Primary Healthcare from the CHPS compound to the polyclinic level in the short to medium term.
“Expand health infrastructure to restore the prompt employment and timely deployment of health workers, provide affordable accommodation within the premises of health facilities and offer home ownership schemes for health and other workers,” he added.
The NDC Flagbearer said his government would introduce “Risk Exposure Insurance” for health workers to provide financial protection and support in the event of injuries, illnesses or other risks encountered on the job.
He said: “We will also introduce a vehicle tax waiver scheme for health professionals under a well-regulated system, provide scholarship opportunities for nurses and allied health workers to pursue PhD-level education.
“The NDC will reward healthcare workers who accept posting to rural communities and underserved areas with a decent rural allowance of 20 per cent of the basic salary and shorter service periods for promotion and study leave.”
Mr Mahama said the NDC would introduce degree and specialist nursing programmes in nursing colleges to support career advancement and skills upgrade of nurses to meet global standards.
“We will mainstream research-backed herbal, traditional and alternative medicine and practice in patient management at all levels and support the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana with incentives to make Ghana a Pharma Hub in Africa,” he stated.
GNA