The Ghana Chamber of Private Medical Groups, also known as the Chamber of Health, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The move according to the association is to reaffirm its commitment to championing the cause of the private health sector and to explore avenues for deeper collaboration with government.
Speaking at during the meeting at the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, July 9, president of the association, Dr Andre Kwasi Kumah highlighted the critical role of private health providers in the national healthcare ecosystem and appealed for a more conducive environment for private sector participation.
“We wanted to pay a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister to let him know that there is a private grouping like this, championing the course of the private sector,” Dr Kumah stated.
“The government knows the support that we need, lower taxes, lower import levies, reduced utility charges and so on. These factors drive up operational costs, yet health is a basic necessity that must be delivered to Ghanaians at the most affordable rate possible,” he noted.
He further emphasised the Chamber’s readiness to work with the Ministry to reduce healthcare delivery costs, including by employing idle health workers currently at home.
“Even if it is paying 50% of salaries, we can find a permanent arrangement for some of these nurses and health professionals. This way, they remain engaged and skilled while awaiting formal government recruitment,” Dr Kumah added.
Touching on the government’s Agenda 111 initiative, Dr Kumah proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to operationalise uncompleted health facilities under the project.
“This would allow government to save much-needed revenue, while we help expand access to care,” he noted.
Responding to the Chamber’s proposals, Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh welcomed the engagement and called for unity within the private health sector to ensure constructive collaboration.
“It becomes very difficult if we are experiencing fractions in a front that is supposed to be united,” he cautioned.
“I would be exceedingly happy if you have a united front, so we can effectively include you in key policy frameworks like Free Primary Health Care and the ‘Mahama Cares’ programme,” he said.
Minister Akandoh also reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana into a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the region.
He lamented the continued importation of basic hospital equipment, urging local production of items like drip stands and adjustable hospital beds.
He also stressed on the importance of fair pricing in the delivery of healthcare services.
“The fact that we can collaborate to support recruitment of health professionals is not far-fetched,” he assured. “But government’s support must be reflected in your pricing. Ghanaians must benefit from the partnership, so fees at private facilities should mirror the support you receive.”
He further reinforced President Mahama’s stance that PPPs will form a key component of the Agenda 111 policy moving forward.
“Once the audit is complete, we will engage all stakeholders. Whoever is interested, the doors are open we are ready to listen and partner meaningfully,” the Minister concluded.
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