A Public Health Physician Consultant and Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr Koku Awoonor-Williams, has urged Ghana to reassess its strategy for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He emphasized that the success of UHC should be measured by citizens' ability to access quality healthcare when needed. Dr Awoonor-Williams made these remarks at the 6th Biennial Scientific Conference of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana.
The conference, themed "Advancing Universal Health Coverage in Africa: Harnessing Innovation, Equity and Resilient Health Systems for Sustainable Health Outcomes," took place from September 30 to October 2. Dr Awoonor-Williams stressed that UHC should not be solely defined by the number of hospitals and health facilities built or the number of people enrolled in health insurance schemes. Instead, it should be measured by whether people can access affordable and appropriate healthcare without financial hardship.
Dr Awoonor-Williams highlighted that a health system can have infrastructure and insurance programs in place but still fail to achieve UHC if citizens cannot receive necessary care at the point of service. He emphasized the need for Ghana and other African countries to build health systems that respond to the real needs of their populations, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
The Public Health Physician Consultant also underscored the importance of innovation in strengthening healthcare delivery. He noted that sustainable health outcomes cannot be achieved without supporting health workers who continue to provide services under difficult conditions. Dr Awoonor-Williams emphasized that health workers are central to delivering UHC and require necessary resources, systems, and support to perform their duties effectively.
Dr Awoonor-Williams further argued that access to healthcare should not expose individuals and families to financial ruin or force them to travel long distances for essential medical attention. He stated that UHC should guarantee that a person can seek medical care when necessary without having to choose between their health and their ability to meet basic household needs.
During the conference, Dr Awoonor-Williams paid tribute to Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah, a former Minister of Health, for her support during his early stages as a surgeon in rural areas. He acknowledged her contribution to his development as a health professional and recalled her role in his receiving the 1997 National Award, the Grand Medal.
The conference brought together health professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges and possible solutions to healthcare delivery in Africa. It featured panel discussions, scientific presentations, and research sessions aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and strengthening the link between research, policy, and practice.
Key points
- Dr Awoonor-Williams calls for a shift in Ghana's approach to Universal Health Coverage.
- UHC success should be measured by citizens' access to quality healthcare.
- Health systems must respond to the real needs of populations, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
