Manifesto// Brethren, the underlying factors underpinning this policy of free primary Healthcare policy for now – ahead of its implementation, is that there is the need to seperate the forward – looking, proactive nature of it from the backward-looking, passive unconstructive criticism for political expediency.
Turn off for floating voters?
We know a lot of Ghanaians have been reduced all of a sudden into the poverty bracket. Indigenous contractors are not paid to pay their workers – whatever you’re hearing in the media space is just audio payment, GHANAIAN small scale miners with permits have all been tagged as illegal miners and their concessions taken away from them, indigenous banks were collapsed,..etc. These activities enumerated above among others make enough money to be in circulation – as the players in those industries shop in markets, and other expenditure chain.
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So, today most people who were initially dependant of these people are struggling admist high standards of living. Fact is, most Ghanaians, have no money to subscribe for the national health insurance scheme card and others cannot renew their subscription. Hence, anyone who talk against this policy that resonates so well with the general public will be met with anger.
Bridging our health care gap?
It is said that, the healthier the citizens of a country, the more effective the workforce; the better the health of their children – and in nutshell Health & productivity are not mutuality exclusive, remember?
Vaccinations and preventative strategies for childhood diseases are of key importance – when the fundamentals are not right the economy will expose you – as it’s these children who grow to man various institutions and leadership positions. How could malnourished children think properly when they grow for progress of our nation? Truth is, the world is drifting from cure to preventive medicine! And it’s important we’re not left behind.
Other jurisdictions?
For instance in Canada, most province don’t joke with their citizens. Manifesto
As they know when they invest heavily in their children’s health the entire canada will get it right. What do they do, nursing mothers are given stipend for the upkeep of their children among others such as;
Health education/promotion;Proper nutrition;Adequate supply of safe drinking water and sanitation;Maternal and child health including family planning; Immunisation against major infectious diseases;Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases (including sanitation and good drinking water);Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries; and Provision of essential drugs.
These are all enshrined in the Primary health care policy. Manifesto
Read more here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/benefits/having-baby.html
Statistics?
Brethren, from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) carried out by
the Ghana Statistical Service and the Ghana Health Service.
It was observed that,
“Almost 3 in 10 Ghanaian children suffer from chronic malnutrition or stunting.
Chronic malnutrition varies greatly by region, showing disparities in the quality and quantity of food children receive.
For example, 38% of children in the Eastern region are stunted, compared to 14% in the Greater Accra region. A lack of adequate micronutrient intake is also a major cause for concern. Manifesto
More than three-quarters of children (78%) suffer from anaemia, which can slow a child’s development dramatically. In addition, only 56% of children received a vitamin A supplement in the last six months”
Conclusion:
From the statistics it’s important we reduce the chronic malnutrition to one if not neutralizing it entirely.
But, today, I am afraid if we are doing that, because from PIAC report on management of our oil resources. It’s clear for the last three and half years the investment in our health sector is nothing to write home about – it keeps reducing.
That’s why we must call on all progressives to support the
Free basic health care policy, as it is heart warming and here to reduce the level of most sicknesses linked to malnutrition, and high cost of health care that has been our headache as a nation to meet the SDG goal.
Read details in a piece authored by Dr Edward Omane Boamah: https://www.myjoyonline.com/opinion/dr-edward-omane-boamah-free-primary-healthcare-at-last/
Ghanaians are ready to reward President John Mahama for that all important visionary policy come December 7
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By Kofi Azumah Xornam aka Zumzum