By P. K. Yankey
Nkroful (W/R), June 27, GNA-The Ellembelle District Assembly has launched the Free Primary Health Care Programme, a government initiative to provide Ghanaians with free access to essential health care services.
The district launches at Nkroful followed the national launch in Accra by President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at bringing health care services to the doorsteps of the people.
Dr. Augustine Amoako, Director of the Ellembelle District Health Directorate, said the district was among five in the Western Region selected for the first phase of the pilot, and was the first to launch in the region.
He attributed the selection to milestones chalked by the District Health Directorate and the Assembly in improving health care delivery.
He commended Member of Parliament Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Mr Joseph Armah Agyekum District Chief Executive, the District Health Committee, and District Health Volunteers for their roles.
“Under the programme, government will ensure that every individual, regardless of socio-economic background, has access to fair health care services,” Dr. Amoako said.
He noted that financial constraints have limited access to medical care, a gap the programme would close. “The programme will therefore reduce the financial burden by creating access to essential health care services such as maternal and child health care delivery.”
Dr. Amoako added that the success of the programme would depend on collective ownership and support.
He said the initiative rested on four pillars: inter-sectorial approach, community participation, appropriate technology, and availability of essential resources.
Benefits, he said, included, easier access to health care, an improved referral system, availability of drugs and basic services, and stronger preventive and curative care.
Mr Joseph Armah Agyekum DCE said free quality health care was “not a favour, but a right of the people.”
“A healthy child fits into the nation and a healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” he stated.
“The Government, together with the people, will build a Ghana where there is affordable and free access to health care services.”
Nana Nyamekeh Fofole, Chief of Ampain, who chaired the function, thanked the government for the initiative, which he said would cater for the health needs of everybody, including the vulnerable.
A mobile clinic van was unveiled to kick-start implementation of the programme in the district.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: P.K. Yankey