Govt To Ease the Shipment of Medical Equipment and Supplies for NGOs

The Minister for Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has hinted that the government will ease the shipment and clearing of medical equipment and supplies in the country, especially for NGOs, charitable organisations and philanthropists.

He acknowledged that the shipment of these essential items has been a challenge for these organisations, and hence, a quick solution was needed to ease the process of shipping and clearing the equipment.

Mr Akandoh made this announcement when he met the Operation Walk team from Syracuse, New York, on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Koforidua.

He said a special desk has been created at the ministry to assist and facilitate the process for philanthropists, institutions, and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) in this direction.

The 49-member health professional team, comprising surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, physician specialists, physiotherapists, and volunteers, came to partner with the hospital to undertake a seven-day free surgery for people with vascular necrosis of the hip and knee, especially those with sickle cell disease.

The minister lauded the visiting team for its selfless service to Ghana, noting that the effort aligns with the government’s vision to promote medical tourism and enhance access to specialised healthcare in Ghana.

Expressing satisfaction with the move, he described the decision of the outreach team as a major relief for Ghanaians who could not otherwise afford the cost of such surgeries.

He said that the government would collaborate with Operation Walk to extend similar medical interventions to other parts of the country.

“The government will continue to collaborate with partner countries, institutions, and individuals to improve quality healthcare and make delivery affordable and accessible for the people,” he said.

The Clinical Director and Leader of the Operation Walk New York team, Dr Kimberly Murray, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and partnership from the hospital, noting that the team will provide joint replacement surgeries for about 100 patients during the week-long outreach program.

She highlighted challenges in transporting medical supplies into the country but reaffirmed the team’s commitment to continue working in Ghana and strengthening partnerships to sustain the program.

Bala Ali, ISD