By Albert Allotey
Accra, Mach 28, GNA – The Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) has expressed support for the advocacy efforts to integrate non-communicable diseases (NCDs) into Ghana’s Network of Practice (NoP) framework.
“We strongly believe that this integration will enhance comprehensive primary health care (PHC) delivery,” it stated.
Mr Benjamin Oppong-Twumasi, Programme Manager – Policy and Budget Advocacy for ARHR made the remark at a stakeholders’ validation meeting on the Ghana NCD Alliance position paper on the integration of NCD services within the NoP.
He said “ARHR recognizes the rising burden of NCDs, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancers, which require a strengthened health system to ensure equitable access to prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment at the PHC level.”
He stated however that there is the need to discuss and address the challenges highlighted in the study conducted by the Ghana NCD Alliance.
Mr Oppong-Twumasi said the government should improve infrastructure at CHPS compounds, health centres, and district hospitals by equipping facilities with diagnostic tools such as blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and essential medicines for NCD management.
Others are capacity building for frontline health workers through in-service training on NCD prevention, screening, and management to ensure they are equipped with up-to-date skills.
He said a collaborative approach should be adopted to enhance community-based education and health promotion activities while civil society organizations should be empowered to lead these efforts at the community level.
The government should ensure sustainable funding for NCD services through the Nation Health Insurance Scheme and other health financing mechanisms and that instead of providing free PHC alone, a policy directive should be issued to make the treatment of the diseases entirely free, eliminating co-payment burdens on families.
Mr Oppong-Twumasi recommended that the existing wellness clinics should be improved and made more accessible to community members to encourage early detection and management of diseases.
He noted that an efficient referral system is essential for ensuring timely access to specialized care for complex NCD cases and that the NoP cannot be fully effective without a well-functioning referral system.
“We strongly believe that the NoP is a valuable initiative, but it requires proper attention and adequate resources to achieve its intended impact,” he stated.
GNA
BM