Healthcare is a Right not a Privilege - PAGE

The Patients Alliance of Ghana in Engagement (PAGE), an association of patient advocates in Ghana, on Thursday reminded all stakeholders in healthcare delivery that Healthcare is a right and not a privilege.

It said healthcare is a human right, which means everyone regardless of their disability, disease, sex, race, and nationality should have access to needed healthcare.

A statement issued and signed by Mr Isaac Ampomah, Chairman of PAGE, ahead of Patient Solidarity Day, which falls on Saturday 5th December, 2015, said patients and organisations around the world are standing together to call for universal health coverage on the theme: “Healthcare is a Human Right.

“PAGE is therefore advocating that healthcare should be made available to the vulnerable, minorities, urban and rural dwellers in society.”

Patient Solidarity Day, which is marked every December 5, brings into focus the need to put the patient at the centre to improve healthcare outcomes.

The statement said Patient-centred healthcare improves the quality and safety of healthcare services and ultimately improves quality of life of patients.

PAGE commended health workers and said Patient Solidarity Day is a day to share, and learn best practices for disease prevention and management, adding “it is a day to show love and care for those in pain and give hope.”

PAGE also reminded health workers that the patient’s involvement is an intricate part of healthcare and needs professionalism at all times.

It also appealed to National Health Insurance Authority to make payment on time to accredited health facilities to ensure healthcare delivery in the country.

The Patient Solidarity Day was mooted by the International Alliance of Patients’ Organisation (IAPO) and also recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).