President John Dramani Mahama has directed relevant government agencies to work closely with Mercy Ships to ensure the successful delivery of free specialist surgeries to thousands of Ghanaians during the organisation’s 10-month mission in the country.
The President gave the directive when he visited the Mercy Ships vessel currently stationed in Ghana and interacted with medical teams providing specialist care to patients.
He said the mission was giving Ghanaians, particularly those who could not otherwise afford or access specialist treatment, an opportunity to receive life-changing medical care.
President Mahama stressed the need for effective follow-up care after patients leave the vessel and called for sustained collaboration between Mercy Ships and Ghanaian health professionals.
He said the benefits of the mission should extend beyond the vessel’s 10-month stay through knowledge transfer and stronger collaboration with Ghana’s health sector.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the mission was targeting at least 2,400 surgeries and dental procedures, including treatment for cleft lip and palate, cataracts, tumours, clubfoot and other orthopaedic conditions, as well as general and reconstructive surgeries.
The programme will also provide training and skills development opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals.
Mercy Ships Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michelle White, disclosed that about 200 patients had already undergone surgery, with thousands more surgical and dental procedures expected to be performed before the mission ends.
The 10-month mission is expected to provide free specialist surgical and dental care to thousands of Ghanaians while strengthening the capacity of local health professionals through training and knowledge-sharing.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
