Gov't committed to doorstep health delivery- Health Minister


The Minister for Health, Alex Segbefia says the NDC Government, as part of its Better Ghana is committed to ensuring that health service delivery is brought to the doorsteps of every on living in Ghana. 

He said Government recognizes that health is a basic right of all people and is necessary for both the economic and social development of society. 

It is in this light that the National Ambulance Service is being supported to build its capacity to provide an effective and comprehensive pre-hospital emergency care system for every one living in Ghana. 

Mr. Segbefia gave the assurance at the passing out parade for 288 emergency medical technicians who have undergone basic training at the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School at Nkenkaasu in the Ashanti Region under the National Ambulance Service. 

The number will augment the current emergency medical technician staff of one thousand 412. 

The emergency medical technician is a term used to denote a healthcare provider of emergency medical services who has been trained to give immediate care and often transport the sick or injured to medical facilities. 

Mr. Segbefia said the aim of the NDC Government through the Ministry of Health is to administer, maintain and operate nationwide comprehensive emergency medical services throughout the country that is designed to reduce medical emergency deaths, injuries and permanent long-term disability. 

He noted that 161 ambulances were secured in 2010 to augment the fleet of ambulances for the National Ambulance Service, adding that plans are far advanced to secure 200 new ambulances. 

Mr. Segbefia announced that 30 of these vehicles have already arrived in the country, saying, his Ministry is envisaged to open new ambulance stations across the country. 

The Offinsohene, Nana Wiafe Akenten urged government to invest in the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School at Nkenkaasu to make it the training centre for paramedics in West Africa.


GBC