The Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has revealed that the next term of President Akufo-Addo will actualise the vision to include ‘health promotion and prevention’ as part of primary health care.

Speaking at a ceremony for the induction of nurses assistants, nurses and midwives who qualified in 2019, the Health Minister indicated that measures will be put in place to ensure that citizens get the required health care services.

He stated that although the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers about 95% of the disease burden, government will work studiously to get every health-related issue covered.

“Over the next four years we have set ourselves to focus on health promotion and prevention as part of primary health care through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“Over the next four years, we will bring health promotion and prevention as part of primary health care under the NHIS which will continue to be free for children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups,” he said.

He then added, “We shall review and overhaul healthcare financing with the aim of reducing the turnaround time of claims management to the barest minimum, and ensuring the sustainability of the NHIS scheme.”

Mr Agyeman-Manu further affirmed government’s commitment to build over 88 hospitals in various parts of the country to address the shortcomings in the country’s health system.

The Minister then tasked the newly inducted health personnel to work earnestly and adhere to the rules and regulations of their profession to save lives.

“The pledge and prayer you have made today in the presence of all gathered here is a special one in your lives which will be marked as a milestone in your profession. The uniform you put on today marks the beginning of this journey.

“I implore you to always remember that under these beautiful uniforms you are wearing today, are the people who have helped you to get here thus the need to develop the right attitude by providing competent, safe, prompt and efficient service for client delight,” he said.

Mr Agyeman-Manu also congratulated the Nurses and Midwifery Council on their 50th anniversary.

A total of 49, 576 nurse assistants, nurses and mid-wives nationwide will be inducted to the country’s health system in this year alone.