Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for a dedicated hospital for Members of Parliament (MPs) to address health concerns while ensuring health confidentiality.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Service Board for the ninth Parliament on Monday, March 17, 2025, the Effutu MP highlighted the unique challenges faced by parliamentarians in accessing private healthcare.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the establishment of a parliamentary hospital would be a significant step toward safeguarding the health and privacy of lawmakers.
He noted that the political class often faces heightened scrutiny, making it difficult to seek medical care without compromising confidentiality.
“Mr Speaker, there are two things that I hope for in this ninth parliament. One is a hospital for parliament. If it does happen, according to your vision, it will be a great milestone. We are a political class and our health issues must be known within certain confines. Because of confidentially issues people travel abroad at great cost for medical support. I believe if we are able to deal with this, it will help,” he stated.
The minority leader also proposed the establishment of a new Parliamentary chamber to enhance the security of Members of Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin emphasised the need for new infrastructure that reflects the importance of the legislative arm of government.
“Indeed, when I visited the British Parliament, even within the chamber, there is enhanced security. Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw anything at an MP, and there is no security.
“Mr Speaker, I am therefore looking forward to an enhanced security regime, and I am pleased to depart from this infrastructure. We can begin a conversation for a new chamber befitting the legislative arm of government,” he stated.
