The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Presidential Candidate, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to establishing a specialized children’s hospital if elected in the December 2024 polls.
This announcement was made during her engagement with students at the Goaso Nursing and Midwifery Training College, where she highlighted the pressing health needs of infants and the importance of developing a robust healthcare system for children.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that the proposed children’s hospital would address critical challenges faced by infants at birth and serve as a center for training pediatric doctors and nurses. She recognized that the lack of specialized healthcare facilities for children has been a significant gap in the country’s healthcare system, leading to inadequate pediatric care and a shortage of trained professionals in this vital area.
During her address, she touched on the ongoing exodus of nurses from the country, an issue that has raised serious concerns within the health sector. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang pledged that the NDC would implement comprehensive policies aimed at curbing this trend. She acknowledged the importance of retaining qualified healthcare professionals to ensure that the health sector can meet the needs of the population effectively.
Encouraging the students at the nursing college to actively support the NDC’s vision for the health sector, she urged them to endorse the party in the upcoming elections. “How did we arrive here as a country? I am creating awareness for you so you know why you must vote. We stand for development, and you don’t develop anything if you don’t develop the people. Development should reflect in the abandoned projects and equipment while retooling the health sector,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang elaborated on the party’s plan for the children’s hospital, stressing that “as NDC, one of the things we plan to do going forward is to establish an ultra-modern children’s hospital that will take care of the health needs of infants.” She pointed out that the absence of such a facility has resulted in a shortage of pediatric nurses and doctors in the healthcare system, which further exacerbates the challenges faced by vulnerable infants and their families.
Reflecting on the previous administration, she recalled, “We planned to establish this when we were in power, but unfortunately for us, we were kicked out. The establishment of the University of Ghana Medical Centre was part of the bigger plan of establishing a children’s hospital.” Her remarks highlighted the NDC’s previous initiatives in healthcare and the aspiration to continue building upon that legacy.
Moreover, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang proposed the development of a policy to manage the training and exportation of nurses abroad. This policy aims to create a sustainable pathway for trained professionals to seek opportunities internationally while simultaneously generating returns for the country. “Many countries do it, and so it is not a new thing. We need to know where you are to extend support, and so when we say the NDC cares, it has a lot of meaning,” she explained, emphasizing the party’s commitment to both local and international health strategies.
Her vision for the healthcare sector resonates with the need for a systematic approach to tackling health challenges in Ghana, particularly concerning maternal and child health. The establishment of a specialized children’s hospital, along with robust training programs for pediatric professionals, would ensure that the country can provide high-quality care for its youngest citizens.
The NDC’s emphasis on retooling the healthcare sector is crucial, especially in a time when health crises, such as cholera outbreaks and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the deficiencies in healthcare infrastructure and resources. By prioritizing the development of a children’s hospital, the party aims to create a comprehensive healthcare system that not only addresses immediate health needs but also fosters a generation of skilled healthcare professionals.
As the elections approach, the NDC’s pledge to improve the healthcare landscape has the potential to resonate with voters who prioritize health issues, particularly parents and caregivers concerned about the availability and quality of pediatric care. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s call for the youth and students in the health sector to engage actively in the electoral process underscores the importance of informed voting and participation in shaping the future of Ghana’s healthcare system.
In conclusion, the establishment of a specialized children’s hospital, alongside initiatives to retain and train healthcare professionals, reflects the NDC’s comprehensive approach to tackling healthcare challenges in Ghana. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s announcement highlights the party’s commitment to creating a better healthcare environment for infants and the broader population.
As the December 2024 elections draw nearer, the NDC’s healthcare proposals will likely play a pivotal role in influencing voter decisions and shaping the future of healthcare in Ghana. The party’s focus on development, health sector reformation, and the welfare of children showcases a vision aimed at building a healthier, more prosperous nation.
