Abokobi:The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has expressed its support for the Government's Free Primary Healthcare Programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as Mahama Cares. These initiatives are seen as crucial measures to enhance healthcare access and alleviate financial pressures on vulnerable populations in Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, emphasized the Church's commitment to policies that promote access to quality healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage. Speaking at the Seventh Development and Social Services Consultation Forum at the Presbyterian Women's Centre, he highlighted the potential of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme to revolutionize primary healthcare delivery, especially in underserved rural areas.
The Moderator praised the operationalisation of Mahama Cares as a timely measure that will ease the burden on families dealing with chronic non-communicable diseases and other medical conditions requiring special care. He stressed the importance of sustained investment in healthcare financing to improve health outcomes and safeguard vulnerable populations' dignity.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana currently operates 61 health facilities across 13 regions, employing over 4,300 staff and offering about 1,600 hospital beds. Furthermore, the Church's Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges play a key role in training healthcare professionals for various health institutions nationwide.
Representing the Minister for Health, Dr. Mavis Sakyi commended the Presbyterian Church for its significant contributions to healthcare and recognized it as a vital partner in achieving Universal Health Coverage in Ghana. She reiterated the Ministry's commitment to collaborating with faith-based healthcare providers and mentioned efforts to enhance National Health Insurance Scheme reimbursements and healthcare financing.
Dr. Sakyi invited the Church and other faith-based organizations to consider partnerships in completing and managing selected Agenda 111 hospital projects, noting this collaboration as vital for expanding access to quality healthcare across the country. The forum emphasized the Presbyterian Church of Ghana's dedication to a holistic ministry, focusing on healthcare, social intervention, and human development while bolstering partnerships with the government and other development partners.