By Mildred Siabi-Mensah, GNA
Takoradi, June 02, GNA – Nana Akwasi Agyeman IX, the Omanhene (Paramount Chief) of Lower Dixcove in the Western Region, has called for a timely release of resources to run the government’s flagship programme, Free Primary Health Care (PHC).
The programme should also involve the chiefs, particularly in rural communities, to drive community support and acceptability of the project.
He stressed: “This programme should succeed. Our only worry is that in Ghana, when any new programme is being launched, government releases the money, then some people also at the headquarters, the ministries, in Accra, disrupt the whole arrangement. I pray this programme will not see that line of action–if that happens, then it is most unfortunate.”
Nana Agyeman raised concerns at the Western Regional launch of the Free PHC on the theme: “Contributing to National Efforts on Removing Financial Barriers Towards Universal Health Coverage.”
He described the government’s free PHC programme as laudable, especially for rural communities and called for support for its success.
Nana Agyeman added: “This programme cannot go on without funds. If it is going to be free, then we need money to procure the equipment and other medical supplies. The money cannot be controlled and kept in Accra.”
The sick, he said, sometimes, encountered challenges while seeking medical attention, and suggested right directions and decisions and collective actions for the free primary health care.
Mr Jeremiah Tiimob, the Deputy Director, Administration at the Effia-Nkwanta regional hospital, said the programmme formed part of the health component in the 24- hour economy and urged the staff to be abreast with the policy goals.
The initiative, he explained, would remove financial barriers at the primary level, strengthen preventive care, equity, accessibility and efficiency at the basic curative services.
“We have come a long way in trying to achieve various health outcomes. Nevertheless, the country is still confronted with persistent challenges when it comes to financial barriers at the primary care level. Out of pocket payment is still rampant and limit access, “ Mr Tiimob reported.
He recalled discussions at the recent regional annual performance review showed that the region was doing almost 40 percent cash and carry, as against about 60 percent from National Health Insurance subscribers.
In terms of access to health care, he said, Primary Health Care remained resourced in many places within the country.
He indicated that the region should be doing less than 20 percent of out-of-pocket payment.
He said: “We have greater than 35% of people assessing care at that level paying out of pocket for services, and that is something that we need to worry about. for universal health coverage.
“The target is that, as a country, by 2030, we should be achieving 80 percent coverage, but we are currently doing around 56 percent –There’s huge gap and free primary health care is coming in as an intervention that will help salvage the situation.”
Mr Tiimob spoke about fragmented services across the health system, disjointed facilities and networks resulting in poor continuity and coordination, exposing clients and untoward outcomes, instead of a very seamless system from one level of care to another.
He said: “Free PHC would address the quality of care, ensure standards and close the gaps between preventive and curative care.
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, said the Free PHC was the foundation of every resilient health sector and explained that prevention-built trust and reduced burdens and promoted national productivity.
He continued, that, “the initiative also demonstrated governance recognition that healthcare delivery must not only be available and must reach people before illness becomes severe or financially challenge–as we work to improve access to health care ,we should continue to focus on the quality-of-service delivery within our health facilities.”
Dr Kofi Owusu, the Acting Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, noted the policy was robust to improve upon the health and well-being of the country, and urged participants to offer practical ways to make it a success.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Mildred Siabi-Mensah