The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it will improve access to education and health delivery across the country, and better manage the oil wealth, if retained in power in 2009. This was revealed during the launching of a draft manifesto in Sekondi Takoradi as part of activities of the three days National Delegates Congress of the party. Speaking with JOY News’ Matilda Asante on Monday, a consultant to the manifesto committee and one time presidential candidate of the party, Prof. Mike Ocquaye said a Nana Akufo Addo presidency, will reduce drastically, the exodus of health workers into other countries. According to him over 70% health workers trained with the tax payers money sought greener pastures in other countries, but a better salary to health workers under President Kufuor has reduced the practice to the barest minimum. Some health workers in the Diaspora are rather entering the country to assist in the health delivery, he emphasized. He said the NPP when retained in power will enter into a legal pact with other countries, particularly, the western nations, for exchange programmes aimed at reducing the number of health workers lost to the country due to the practice of brain drain. He added that the Post Graduate Medical School will be introduced in the three main universities to retain the health professionals in the country. With over 11 million people presently covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme, (NHIS) Prof Ocquaye said a universal programme, dubbed health for all will be pursued vigorously to ensure easy access to health delivery. On education, Prof. Ocquaye reiterated Akufo Addo’s pledge for a free education in the Senior High School level. He said technical education will be the focal point under the next NPP to impart more employable skills and knowledge to students. Prof. Mike Ocquaye said oil will be used as an instrument for development. While the NPP will keep exploring for more oil in places like the Volta Region, Prof. Ocquaye said specific programmes will be pursued in the various regions to improve upon the standard of living across the country. Quarterly reports will be made to parliament to ensure transparency in the oil administration, he emphasized. Author: Nathan Gadugah