President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Ministry of Health to collaborate with Mercy Ships to ensure that patients treated during the organisation’s medical mission in Ghana receive appropriate referrals and continued care after treatment.
The President said the benefits of the Mercy Ships mission should extend beyond the surgeries and medical procedures performed during its stay.
Speaking aboard the Global Mercy at the Tema Harbour, President Mahama stressed the importance of ensuring that patients receive safe and effective follow-up care after the vessel leaves the country.
“A patient’s care must continue safely even after Global Mercy has left port,” he said.
According to the President, the collaboration presents an opportunity for Ghanaian surgeons, anaesthesia professionals, nurses and other healthcare workers to gain valuable experience by working alongside the medical team aboard the ship.
He said the knowledge and skills acquired through the partnership should contribute to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana beyond the duration of the current mission.
President Mahama also urged the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that patient movement, medical supplies and other operational arrangements are handled promptly and in accordance with Ghanaian law.
He said government support for the mission must be practical and accountable to ensure that patients receive the full benefit of the partnership.
Global Mercy is in Ghana to provide free specialist medical care to patients with procedures covering conditions including cataracts, cleft lips and palates, tumours and childhood orthopaedic conditions.
President Mahama expressed appreciation to Mercy Ships, its medical teams, volunteers, donors and Ghanaian partners for supporting patients who might otherwise face difficulties accessing specialist treatment.
The world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, Mercy Ship, returned to Ghana after 19years for a 10-month mission providing free specialised surgeries and healthcare training.
Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews
