First Lady Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama has confirmed government’s plans to roll out a Free Primary Healthcare Programme and upgrade health facilities at the community and district levels across Ghana.
She made the announcement at a fundraising gala in New York, organised by the Africa Development Foundation and Helping Africa Foundation, in support of the Lordina Foundation’s maternity projects.
Mrs Mahama said the John Mahama administration had “responded positively to the challenges” identified through the Foundation’s work in underserved communities.
“The government has announced plans to implement a Free Primary Healthcare Programme for all Ghanaians. This will come with the provision of CHPS compounds and health centres in our communities to make access to the facilities easier. Existing district hospitals and polyclinics will be upgraded with equipment and medical personnel,” she stated.
Highlighting the urgency, the First Lady noted that more than 3,000 babies die each month in Ghana before their first birthday, citing an infant mortality rate of 52 deaths per 1,000 live births and a maternal mortality rate of 103 per 100,000 live births.
“No mother, anywhere, should face childbirth gripped by such fear for her life or her baby,” she stressed.
Mrs Mahama, Founder and President of the Lordina Foundation, further called for oversight to ensure government’s commitments translate into real improvements.
“My advocacy as First Lady, in collaboration with my sister, the Vice President of Ghana, is to ensure that the Chief of Staff and the Minister for Health fulfil the government’s promises to the people,” she added.
The Lordina Foundation has already constructed and equipped three model maternity and children’s wards in Bole, Nkoranza, and Bodom, and renovated other facilities, including the Hohoe Adabraka Health Centre.
At the New York gala, Mrs Mahama appealed for donor support to expand these initiatives as the Foundation “steps onto a truly international stage” to complement government reforms and strengthen maternal and child health care.
Source: myxyzonline.com/Wisdom Hedezome
