Health Minister, Dr. Sepa Yankey says his ministry is determined to make Ghana the health tourists centre in the sub region. This is part of a short to medium term programme to make health sector a major foreign exchange earner for the country. He was speaking at a public lecture in Accra on Wednesday as part of the activities marking the 20th Anniversary of the National Cadiothoracic Centre (NCTC) under the leadership of Prof. Frimpong Boateng. The theme for the anniversary is; “20 years of the NCTC-20 years of medical excellence.” The centre deals with non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular and thoracic ailments (eg hole in heart). Dr. Sepa Yankey and a host of other speakers at the lecture paid tribute to ex-President Rawlings for his invaluable role in the establishment of the centre in 1989. “But for the political support, the centre will not have seen the light of day,” the Health Minister stressed. The centre, he said will be used as springboard to galvanize support and collaboration from the other health facilities towards making Ghana the preferred health destination. He pledged a GH¢30.00 monthly contribution towards a $50 million project to relocate the NCTC to a new site off the Accra-Tema Motor way. Dr Martin Tamatey in one of three lectures under the topic The NCTC: "The next 20 years and beyond” lamented over the limited space for expansion, and appealed for two million Ghanaians to donate GH¢1.00, monthly, for three and half years to raise funds for the project. The project which is supposed to be completed in five years will contain eight theatres, fifteen consulting rooms, 300 beds, 500 OPD. The Centre currently located at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital has 2 theatres, 30 beds, 60 OPD and 2 consulting rooms. Director of the NCTC Prof Boateng reiterated the need for the continued support for the Centre, saying heart diseases know no political party. He was full of praise for ex-president Rawlings and other leading members of the erstwhile PNDC for their support, when other political leaders at the time, as well as institutions did not see the essence for cardio centre in a third world country. Ex-President Rawlings championed the call for government to support individuals whose ideas will be to the benefit of the entire society. The Ghanaian, he said, abounds in lots of potential but needs the right political atmosphere to manifest these potential. He congratulated the director of the Centre as well as all the workers for the relentless efforts in saving lives. The lecture was attended by surgeons and other medical experts, politicians and security officers. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana