Ghana joins world to mark Patient Solidarity Day

Patients’ Alliance of Ghana in Engagement (PAGE), a non-governmental organisation, is joining the rest of the world to mark Patient Solidarity Day using it as a pivot for Ghanaians to continue keeping Ebola at bay and totally eradicating cholera.

Patient Solidarity Day is observed every 6th December with patients and organisations from around the world coming together to call for universal health coverage under the theme: "One voice, United, Universal".

A statement signed by Mr Isaac Amponsah, founder of the NGO, said Patient Solidarity Day was launched in Ghana on 30th October 2013, simultaneously with other African countries under the umbrella of the International Alliance of Patients’ Organisations.

It said the threat of Ebola in West Africa and the recent cholera -outbreak in Ghana showed that communities were at high risk.

"PAGE, therefore, is emphasising the need to keep our surroundings clean, eat hot food and observe proper hand washing practices to avoid the two diseases and other communicable diseases"

PAGE also urged Government to sustain the effort of maintaining an effective health system that is ready to combat any outbreak of the Ebola disease.

It said patients were among key affected populations in every society and must be remembered at all times. Health workers and health professionals must provide an enabling environment for smooth dialogue where the Patient Charter was upheld.

Budgetary allocations towards Primary Health Care and health infrastructure must be released on time and the designs of health infrastructure must be disability friendly, the statement said.

PAGE reminded health workers that the patient’s involvement was an intricate part of healthcare and wished all Ghanaians a healthy Patient Solidarity Day and good health in the years to come.