By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA – Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister-designate, says the Government would set up a Fund, known as ‘Mahama Care Fund’ to take care of chronic diseases, upon his approval.
In accordance with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto, he said, there would be free primary healthcare for Ghanaians.
Responding to questions when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, Mr Akandoh said the previous government left an arrears of GHS 237 million under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Asked about his plans for the medical drone delivery services, the Minister-designate said it was a fantastic policy; however, he would undertake further inquiry into the contract regarding the provision of services.
He expressed concerns over the previous government’s claim that it would not take money from its coffers to pay for the services provided by Zipline Technology, the service providers.
However, his briefing indicated that monies were taken from government coffers to pay for the supply of medicines to hard-to-reach areas.
Commenting on the previous government’s acquisition of 307 ambulances for the Ghana Ambulance Service, Mr Akandoh expressed misgivings about the US$77 million cost for maintenance of the ambulances in five years, while the total cost for the acquisition was US$41 million.
The nominee urged leaders who were given the opportunity to perform responsibility at the various sectors to be candid with the people.
The Minister-designate also answered questions regarding his farming business, noting that as a country, “we have no reason to import food since there are numerous opportunities to produce sufficient food to feed the people.”
The nominee made reference to his rice farms in various parts of the country, producing over 5,000 tonnes of rice, noting that the private sector was the engine of growth and should be supported to thrive.
GNA