Read by Director, Family Health Division, Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu
I bring you heartfelt appreciation from Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, who is currently on an international assignment addressing another significant event.
I am honored to represent the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) at this prestigious 2024 West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo. This gathering is pivotal for advancing healthcare in our region, and we acknowledge its importance.
The Ghana Health Service remains steadfast in our commitment to universal access to healthcare services. Our focus is on addressing both basic and comprehensive health needs through prudent resource management and equitable service delivery, ensuring high-quality health services across all levels in Ghana.
As the primary agency implementing Ghana’s national health service delivery policy, GHS plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery in our country. We have made significant progress in expanding access to services, strengthening health systems, and improving care quality. However, we recognize that much work remains.
As we endeavor to chart a new course for the medical industry in West Africa, let us remember that collaboration is essential in addressing the complex healthcare challenges we face. This summit provides a vital platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources.
Through collaborative efforts, we can leverage our collective strengths to achieve necessary upgrades in health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and CHPS compounds. These improvements are critical for enhancing the healthcare workforce, procuring medicines and vaccines, upgrading infrastructure, and advancing data management systems for better service delivery and health outcomes.
The Ghana Health Service and our partners are committed to supporting these initiatives and fostering partnerships with industry players to drive progress. We are always open to dialogue and proactive actions that align with Ghana’s health sector policies, Universal Health Coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Investment in healthcare is crucial for sustainable development. Health expenditure is not just a cost but a strategic investment, as a healthy nation is indeed a wealthy nation.
Therefore, the Ghana Health Service encourages businesses and financial institutions present here to explore opportunities for investment in healthcare infrastructure and services for women, men, mothers, newborns, children, adolescents, and the elderly. We also need system-focused changes in nutrition, including strategic actions and commitments for commodity availability, workforce capacity strengthening, and robust surveillance systems to prevent, identify, and treat all forms of malnutrition.
Additionally, responsive social services and health system interventions are needed for healthy aging.
Academic research and collaboration are vital drivers of healthcare innovation. I commend the research centers, universities, and distinguished academics present here for their dedication to advancing healthcare knowledge and evidence-informed solutions.
Communities will always expect responsive health systems and hold key players accountable. I urge all participants to engage actively, share best practices, and contribute to the success of this summit.
Thank you!
