Quality healthcare is an important step towards achieving universal health coverage - Ahaji Hafiz Adam

Alhaji Hafiz Adam, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, has emphasized that the improvement of the quality of healthcare is a crucial step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana.

Speaking at the 2024 Health Summit at the Kempinski Hotel on May 15, 2024, Alhaji Adam expressed optimism that the summit would foster reflections on past performance and generate strategies for future improvements in the sector.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of development partners such as the WHO, the World Bank, USAID, and others in the health sector.

"Health system performance assessment is very essential and encompasses measuring and analyzing how well a health system is meeting its overall goals, i.e., improved health outcomes.

"Dr. Chairman, to this end, I am more than happy that this year's Health Summit is focused on how we can improve the quality of care across our health system for better health outcomes for all.

"As such, the theme for this year's summit is 'Quality Healthcare Delivery: A Catalyst for Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Ghana.'

"This theme has been carefully thought out, and it recognizes the need to continuously enhance the quality of the care we deliver to the people of Ghana if we are to stand a chance of achieving our national UHC targets by 2030," he said.

He praised the advocacy efforts of the Coalition of NGOs in Health, particularly their role in the passing of the Excise Duty Amendment Act, 2023, which imposes a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages—a move aimed at combating non-communicable diseases in Ghana.

He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of health workers, referring to them as the "engine of the health sector."

Highlighting the global context, Alhaji Adam referenced a joint report by the OECD, WHO, and the World Bank, which indicates that poor-quality health services impede health improvements worldwide.

He emphasized that Ghana must address these challenges to improve health outcomes by 2030.

The theme for this year's summit was "Quality Healthcare Delivery: A Catalyst for Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Ghana."