The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has said that his administration, if elected, will prioritize accessible healthcare for all Ghanaians, focusing particularly on maternal and newborn care.
Speaking at the inauguration of a maternity and children’s ward at Bodom in the Nkoranza North constituency on November 12, 2024, Mr. Mahama emphasized the importance of providing healthcare facilities that ensure a dignified environment for mothers and their newborns. He stated that the current maternal mortality rate in Ghana about 300 deaths per 100,000 live births illustrates the critical need for better healthcare infrastructure and services.
He pointed out that while the inauguration of new facilities is essential, it also underscores the broader healthcare challenges facing Ghana, where many citizens struggle to access affordable medical care. His vision for a revamped healthcare system includes transformative reforms aimed at making health services more affordable, regardless of socioeconomic status.
As part of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, Mr. Mahama pledged to implement a free primary healthcare initiative that will allow Ghanaians to receive care at chips compounds, health centers, polyclinics, and district hospitals without out-of-pocket costs. This system he said will eliminate the need for a health insurance card at primary care facilities, ensuring free treatment for all Ghanaians and helping to prevent minor illnesses from worsening and requiring expensive hospital treatments.
He also shared plans for a community pharmacy model, where Ghanaians will have access to routine health screenings for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses at no cost. He said community health volunteers will play a key role in this initiative, visiting households to provide health education and identifying potential health issues early, so that referrals to healthcare facilities can be made promptly.
Additionally, he said the NDC plans to establish the Ghanaian Medical Care Trust, known as “MahamaCare,” which will fund the management of chronic diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and sickle cell disease. This trust, he explained, will draw from dedicated funds and receive financial support from other sources, including private contributions.
The former president stressed that these initiatives are designed to address the persistent barriers that prevent many Ghanaians from accessing needed healthcare, aiming to build a system that offers preventive care, timely treatments, and support for chronic disease management.