Accra: Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, has announced a strategic focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and concessional financing arrangements to attract private sector investment in critical areas like diagnostics, telemedicine, and emergency medical logistics.
According to Ghana News Agency, these efforts aim to strengthen healthcare services in underserved and rural communities through fiscal incentives, encouraging investment and expansion in these areas.
Mr. Akandoh, who was represented by Dr. Ernest Konadu, a Ministry representative at the Fifth Annual General Conference of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHAFoG), expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that private health facilities play a significant role in creating a more resilient and responsive national health system. The conference, themed ‘Unlocking Opportunities: Leveraging Government’s Private Sector Development Policy to Boost Ghana’s Private Health Sector,’ highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the future of healthcare in Ghana.
The Health Minister emphasized that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as the ‘Mahama Cares’ programme, is a pivotal component of the Big Push agenda for health infrastructure and investment. This initiative aims to create an inclusive and compassionate national health system. The Ghana Medical Transplant initiative, introduced by the government, is designed to support the treatment of chronic and life-threatening diseases, such as cancers and renal diseases, which place a severe financial burden on patients and their families.
Mr. Akandoh further stated that under the Big Push agenda, health is being positioned as a catalyst for national transformation, with investments in infrastructure, digital health innovation, and the training of specialist health professionals. The private health sector is seen as essential in achieving Universal Health Coverage and advancing national health objectives.
Dr. Winfred Korletey Baah, the Registrar of the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA), announced a nationwide compliance initiative to ensure all healthcare facilities operate within legal boundaries and adhere to regulatory requirements. This initiative is intended to safeguard patient safety and maintain high standards in healthcare delivery. Dr. Baah noted that compliance could attract foreign investment, as well-regulated facilities are more appealing to international partners.
Dr. Kwame Buabeng-Frimpong, President of PHAFoG, emphasized the potential of private health facilities to enhance healthcare quality in Ghana with adequate government support. He urged the government to consider private facilities in staffing allocations, even if it involves cost-sharing arrangements. Despite challenges like rising operational costs and limited access to financing, Dr. Buabeng-Frimpong highlighted the opportunities within the government’s Private Sector Development Policy to expand and improve private healthcare.
Madam Agnes Mawusi Nkansah, the Volta/Oti Regional Chairperson of PHAFoG, called for the integration of innovation, including digitisation and artificial intelligence, to enhance patient care and position the private health sector as a growth engine.