Bawumia highlights key NPP interventions transforming Ghana’s health sector

Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has outlined seven significant health interventions implemented by the NPP government over the past eight years, describing them as critical to enhancing healthcare delivery in Ghana. 

Speaking at the launch of a new TeleHealth application in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia affirmed that these efforts aim to address longstanding challenges and modernise the country’s healthcare system.

The TeleHealth app, designed to offer remote medical consultations, is one of several initiatives Dr. Bawumia described as transforming healthcare accessibility and service efficiency across the nation.

1. Restoration of nursing trainee allowances

Highlighting the importance of healthcare personnel, Dr. Bawumia pointed to the restoration of nursing trainee allowances, which had previously been cancelled by the NDC government. "The nursing trainee allowance has been restored to support the training and integration of healthcare personnel into the system," he said.

2. One constituency, one ambulance

Addressing the inadequate ambulance service, Dr. Bawumia noted the government’s response with the “One Constituency, One Ambulance” initiative. "When we assumed office, there were only 37 active ambulances for the entire country. We now have 307 ambulances, ensuring each constituency has access to emergency medical services,” he stated.

3. Revitalisation of NHIS and expanded coverage

Under the NPP, Dr. Bawumia said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which he described as “nearly collapsed” under the Mahama administration, has been strengthened to cover more diseases. "NHIS now includes coverage for childhood cancers, sickle cell treatments, and kidney dialysis for patients, offering greater relief to families dealing with costly conditions," he added.

4. Agenda 111 hospitals

The Vice President cited the Agenda 111 project as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to build hospitals across districts without health facilities. The project, he noted, could create over 70,000 healthcare jobs. "This initiative is filling gaps in healthcare infrastructure nationwide and will greatly expand access," Dr. Bawumia said.

5. Drone medical delivery

Drone technology has been pivotal in delivering essential medical supplies to remote areas, Dr. Bawumia remarked, adding that drones currently serve over 2,000 health centres across Ghana from six operational bases. "This is one of the most impactful interventions globally, ensuring emergency supplies reach remote communities swiftly," he noted.

6. E-Health

To address lost or inaccessible patient records, the government launched an e-health system connecting hospitals from teaching hospitals to polyclinics. “We digitised records so patients’ history can be accessed at any public hospital in the network, allowing seamless transfers without losing vital medical information,” Dr. Bawumia explained.

7. E-Pharmacy

Dr. Bawumia highlighted the introduction of an e-pharmacy platform to ease access to medication. “With over 2,000 pharmacies now on this platform, Ghanaians can conveniently buy prescribed drugs online,” he noted.

8. TeleHealth App

The Vice President also launched the TeleHealth app, aimed at providing Ghanaians with remote access to healthcare consultations. "The app allows patients to consult doctors from home, saving time and reducing hospital congestion," Dr. Bawumia said.

The Vice President emphasised that these initiatives reflect the NPP’s commitment to sustainable healthcare development, assuring Ghanaians that the party’s healthcare agenda prioritises modern solutions and enhanced accessibility.