NDC Failed the Health Sector, NPP Delivered – Samuel Addai Agyekum
Samuel Addai Agyekum, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Kumawu, has praised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its achievements in Ghana’s health sector while criticizing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their lack of tangible progress.
Speaking on Adwenkyere show on Kessben Election Avenue with Kofi Appiah, he highlighted the NPP’s introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as a game-changer in healthcare access.
He argued that the NDC’s proposal for a one-time premium under NHIS led to “capitation,” a policy where individuals would have to pay for healthcare if they sought services outside their registered district.
He recalled protests in Jackson Park to oppose the capitation policy being piloted in the Ashanti Region under the NDC government. He noted that Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah described the policy as a “devil destroying healthcare in the region.” On July 17, 2017, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu issued a directive to remove the capitation policy, marking a turning point in the region’s healthcare delivery.
The DCE emphasized that the NPP has made significant strides in improving health infrastructure. He credited former President John Agyekum Kufuor for initiating the Eurojet Hospital projects, which, according to him, the NDC abandoned. President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have since resumed and completed those projects.
Again, he criticized former President John Mahama for failing to complete or commission a single health project in the Ashanti Region during his tenure. In contrast, the NPP launched the Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to build hospitals across the country and is projected to create over 70,000 direct jobs and 65,000 indirect jobs.
Highlighting digital advancements, He commended Dr. Bawumia for modernizing the health sector. He mentioned the introduction of a system that allows individuals to renew their NHIS cards by dialling a simple code. Additionally, hospitals have transitioned from paper records to digital systems, ensuring seamless access to medical histories.
The DCE also celebrated the government’s innovative drone delivery system, which delivers medical supplies during emergencies. He noted that the service has saved over 500,000 lives, with 455 deliveries recorded in Mampong alone. Plans are underway to extend the drone system to the Upper East Region and eventually to the entire country.
Mr. Agyekum lauded recent additions to NHIS coverage, including dialysis, childhood cancer treatment, sickle cell care, and mental health services. He emphasized that these measures demonstrate the NPP’s commitment to quality healthcare.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Agyekum labeled the NDC’s record on health as “the worst,” asserting that their focus has been on rhetoric rather than action. He praised the NPP for its unparalleled achievements in health infrastructure, technology-driven delivery systems, and overall healthcare quality, stating, “When it comes to health, the NPP stands second to none.”
Story by: Joyce Owusu Dankwah
Samuel Addai Agyekum, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Kumawu, has praised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its achievements in Ghana’s health sector while criticizing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their lack of tangible progress.
Speaking on Adwenkyere show on Kessben Election Avenue with Kofi Appiah, he highlighted the NPP’s introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as a game-changer in healthcare access.
He argued that the NDC’s proposal for a one-time premium under NHIS led to “capitation,” a policy where individuals would have to pay for healthcare if they sought services outside their registered district.
He recalled protests in Jackson Park to oppose the capitation policy being piloted in the Ashanti Region under the NDC government. He noted that Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah described the policy as a “devil destroying healthcare in the region.” On July 17, 2017, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu issued a directive to remove the capitation policy, marking a turning point in the region’s healthcare delivery.
The DCE emphasized that the NPP has made significant strides in improving health infrastructure. He credited former President John Agyekum Kufuor for initiating the Eurojet Hospital projects, which, according to him, the NDC abandoned. President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have since resumed and completed those projects.
Again, he criticized former President John Mahama for failing to complete or commission a single health project in the Ashanti Region during his tenure. In contrast, the NPP launched the Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to build hospitals across the country and is projected to create over 70,000 direct jobs and 65,000 indirect jobs.
Highlighting digital advancements, He commended Dr. Bawumia for modernizing the health sector. He mentioned the introduction of a system that allows individuals to renew their NHIS cards by dialling a simple code. Additionally, hospitals have transitioned from paper records to digital systems, ensuring seamless access to medical histories.
The DCE also celebrated the government’s innovative drone delivery system, which delivers medical supplies during emergencies. He noted that the service has saved over 500,000 lives, with 455 deliveries recorded in Mampong alone. Plans are underway to extend the drone system to the Upper East Region and eventually to the entire country.
Mr. Agyekum lauded recent additions to NHIS coverage, including dialysis, childhood cancer treatment, sickle cell care, and mental health services. He emphasized that these measures demonstrate the NPP’s commitment to quality healthcare.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Agyekum labeled the NDC’s record on health as “the worst,” asserting that their focus has been on rhetoric rather than action. He praised the NPP for its unparalleled achievements in health infrastructure, technology-driven delivery systems, and overall healthcare quality, stating, “When it comes to health, the NPP stands second to none.”
Story by: Joyce Owusu Dankwah
