Health care coverage for Ghanaians is government priority – Minister

Alexander Kodwo Kom Abban, the Deputy Minister of Health, has said the policy of government is to achieve universal health coverage for everyone irrespective of the person’s financial standing.

He said over 100 million people were still being pushed further into extreme poverty because of payment for health care at the point of service while more than 800 million people spent at least 10 per cent of their household budget to pay for health care.

Mr. Abban was speaking at the event of international health student’s summit organised by the National Health Student Association (NAHSAG) on the theme: “Towards SDGs Agenda 2030: The integrated perspective in health delivery at University of Ghana, Legon.”

He said the focus on strengthening people’s centered health systems through the promotion of a comprehensive delivery of quality service designed to the needs of the population and the individual.

“It is inspiring to see health care professional student assemble in this programme as part of the global efforts to improve the quality of health care and reduce the cost of health care delivery”.

He urged all the stakeholders in the health sector to improve collaboration to ensure quality health service delivery.

Franklin Nyanzu, the President of NAHSAG, said they were committed to ensure national access to sexual and reproductive health care quality, including the family planning, information and education to reduce unwanted teenage pregnancy, street children and it effect on economic.

He said one major challenge of SDGs was the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases such as Diabetes and hypertension.

Mr Nyanzu, however, urged government and stakeholders to provide timely intervention to prevent the loss of life.

Dr Samuel Yaw Opoku, Registrar of the Allied Health Professional Council, said the global health profession was undergoing very dramatic change in line with advancement technology and it was important that those in Ghana were not left behind.

“We can only do this when we as young health professionals continuously, improve our knowledge and develop wide attitude and professional practices”.