President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare delivery system, with a focus on addressing the No-Bed Syndrome, expanding emergency care capacity and improving access to quality healthcare. He gave the assurance when he addressed doctors and health stakeholders at the 68th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
Speaking at the conference, President Mahama outlined a set of practical measures to end the painful situation where patients are turned away or forced to sleep on floors and corridors for lack of beds. Central to the plan is the introduction of an Integrated Bed Management and Referral Coordination System, which will allow hospitals to see bed availability in real time and refer patients quickly to where care is available.
The President also announced the expansion of emergency departments in major teaching hospitals across the country, and the opening of the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital to the public. He said the move will significantly increase critical care beds, strengthen trauma response and ensure that emergency patients receive timely, life-saving care regardless of where they seek help.
President Mahama further highlighted ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure, increased recruitment and equitable deployment of health professionals, and improved conditions of service for doctors and other health workers. He said Government is determined to ensure that no community is left behind in the distribution of doctors, nurses and specialists, and that health workers are properly motivated to stay and serve in Ghana.
On access and affordability, the President pointed to the implementation of Free Primary Healthcare, the uncapped National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares. He said these flagship interventions are designed to remove financial barriers to care, especially for patients with chronic and non-communicable diseases who were previously not covered under the NHIS.
President Mahama reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with the Ghana Medical Association and other healthcare stakeholders to build a responsive, accessible and sustainable health system that puts patients at the centre of care. Howedey.com will continue to follow the GMA conference and bring readers updates on the rollout of the new bed management system and emergency care expansion.
Author: Stella Sunu • Published on Howedey.com
