GMA advises government to address health problems

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on Friday expressed the hope that government will this year address the numerous problems that face the health sector, especially improved conditions of service for health professional, to preserve industrial peace in the sector.

"Indeed it is in a peaceful environment that the health sector can strive to deliver continuous quality care to our people," the President of the Association Dr J. Plange-Rhule, said in a New Year Message to doctors, nurses, pharmacists and all health professionals.

The message, which described 2002 as very challenging, praised health professionals for their perseverance to deliver decent health care to the people despite the numerous problems, especially dwindling number of trained professionals.

"In some undeserved areas, some of you have persevered to keep health facilities functional. I believe, the people of Ghana are grateful to you for your continued forbearance and continued commitment to this nation."

The GMA expressed the hope that the New Year would see a considerable improvement in the health sector to deliver efficient and quality care to Ghanaians as well as provide the professionals greater opportunities to deal with the major health problems that face Ghanaians. In reference to President John Agyekum Kufuor's assurance to extend the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover the whole country, the message pledged the Association's continued support for government in efforts to implement a comprehensive and innovative scheme to meet the aspirations of Ghanaians.

The Message commended Government and Parliament for passing the Law for the establishment of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ghana a reality.

Touching on the HIV/AIDS, the GMA said it would like to see all Health Sector workers and every single Ghanaian play his or her role in curbing the spread of the disease, adding that despite the gains made, the scourge is still threatening to decimate a large proportion of the population.

The message said it would be nice to see Government Appointees, Priests, Pastors and Imams end their speeches and sermons with a message reminding the entire nation of the threat to everybody of HIV/AIDS. The GMA said it finally wished His Excellency President John A Kufuor and the Government every success in their endeavour to lay a solid foundation for the development of the nation.