President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the need for the Mercy Ships mission in Ghana to have a lasting impact on the country's health system. During an inspection and tour of the hospital ship at the Tema Harbour, he urged stronger collaboration between the organisation and Ghana's health sector. This collaboration aims to ensure that patients receive continuous care and that the country's healthcare system benefits in the long term.
The President expressed his gratitude to Mercy Ships for providing hope to patients who might otherwise be unable to afford or access specialist treatment. He was particularly moved by the smiles of children who had undergone surgery and the gratitude of their mothers. The current mission will provide specialist care for conditions including cataracts, cleft lips and palates, tumours, and childhood orthopaedic conditions.
President Mahama described Mercy Ships as a "floating vessel" of mercy and humanism. He commended Dame Anne Gloag, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister for Finance, and other stakeholders for their efforts in bringing the Global Mercy to Ghana. The President noted that bringing the ship to Ghana involved complex arrangements and several conditions that had to be met.
The President stressed that the value of the mission must extend beyond the period the Global Mercy remains in Ghana. He called for closer collaboration between Mercy Ships and Ghanaian health professionals through training, patient referrals, and follow-up care. This collaboration will ensure that patients continue to receive safe and appropriate care after the vessel leaves.
Ghanaian surgeons, anaesthesia professionals, nurses, and other health workers are expected to work alongside the Mercy Ships medical team. This provides opportunities for knowledge and skills transfer, which will contribute to the strengthening of the country's health system. President Mahama also urged the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to ensure that patient movement, medical supplies, and other operational arrangements are handled promptly and in accordance with Ghanaian law.
Mercy Ships has previously served Ghana on four occasions since 1991, delivering more than 2,600 surgeries and 16,700 dental procedures. The organisation has also supported the development of 139 Ghanaian health professionals. President Mahama welcomed Mercy Ships back to Ghana and expressed confidence that the mission would make a lasting difference in the lives of patients.
The President noted that the specialist services provided by Mercy Ships complement the government's efforts to expand free primary healthcare, strengthen the National Health Insurance Programme, and invest in hospitals and health workers. With this, the mission is expected to contribute to the overall improvement of Ghana's healthcare system.
Key points
- President Mahama calls for lasting impact on Ghana's health system.
- Mercy Ships provides specialist care for various conditions.
- The mission aims to strengthen collaboration between Mercy Ships and Ghanaian health professionals.
