Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako-Kissi, has lamented the absence of a medical package for former Members of Parliament.
According to him, many of his colleagues are battling serious health conditions that exceed their financial capacity, yet there is no insurance scheme or support provided by Parliament.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, July 8, the politician and medical practitioner contrasted the situation with institutions like the Ghana Commercial Bank, which offers post-retirement medical care for its workers.
“Let me cheat and say that people who work for Ghana Commercial Bank, when they retire, are still taken care of. But as it stands now, I cannot take any medical bill to Parliament, and these are very unfortunate things,” he said.
“There are many stories of Members of Parliament who are struggling with their health. I don’t want to mention names, but I know some who are currently finding it difficult to meet their health challenges financially,” he added.
Dr Adomako-Kissi further noted that some former MPs suffer from serious heart conditions and are unable to afford treatment without appealing to the Speaker of Parliament or party leaders for assistance.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive medical policy for legislators.
The discussion comes in the wake of the passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the 40-year-old Member of Parliament for Akwatia, who died on Monday, July 7, after a short illness—barely seven months into his tenure.
