Pediatrician wants President Mahama to prioritise healthcare for children

Dr. Nelly Adade, a pediatrician and member of the Pediatric Society of Ghana, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize healthcare for children in the country.

In a congratulatory message to the President on the day of his inauguration, which was also copied to the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Adade emphasized the importance of implementing a robust child healthcare system and urged the new leader to commit to this cause.

The inauguration coincided with Dr. Adade’s birthday, and her message, titled “A Pediatrician’s Birthday Wish,” highlighted the current state of child healthcare and its future outlook.

Sharing experiences from years of pediatric practice, Dr. Adade described the impact of the nation’s economic hardships on child nutrition, noting that even basic protein sources are inaccessible to many families.

She called for a genuine policy of free healthcare for children under five, pointing out that while such a policy exists on paper, its practical implementation remains inadequate. Dr. Adade also appealed to the President to prioritize critical services for children, such as dialysis and ambulance services, ensuring their availability and free access.

Dr. Adade further urged President Mahama to address what she described as “sick hospitals caring for sick children,” underscoring how the lack of medical equipment hampers the delivery of care to the nation’s future generations.

Additionally, she raised concerns about the health risks posed by illegal mining activities and called for strict measures to curb the practice, which threatens the well-being of children.

“The Ghanaian child is resilient, but resilience alone is not enough. I have seen children fight for their lives with unimaginable strength, but they need a system that fights alongside them. If we make Ghana a child-friendly nation, we will nurture a generation of bright, patriotic leaders who will take this country to greater heights.

My birthday wish today is simple: that the children of Ghana receive the care, protection, and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can make this vision a reality,” she stated.

Dr. Adade concluded by explaining her decision to use her birthday as an opportunity to amplify the voices of Ghanaian children. “Ordinarily, I would mark this day quietly, but this year I’ve chosen a different path. As a pediatrician, my greatest wish today is to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves—the children of Ghana. Over the years, I have learned the art of ‘begging’ to support their healthcare and well-being, and today I come to your doorstep with outstretched hands and an open heart, seeking your intervention in these critical matters.”