Technical Advisor to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament, Titus Kofi Beyuo, has dismissed claims that the government has abandoned the Agenda 111 hospital projects initiated under the previous administration.
According to him, the government remains committed to completing the projects despite the huge financial burden involved.
Speaking on Burning Issues on Adom FM, Mr. Beyuo explained that the cost of completing all Agenda 111 hospitals is enormous and cannot be funded solely through the Ministry of Health’s budget.
“The entire Ministry of Health budget cannot complete all Agenda 111 projects. Even if the whole national budget is used for Agenda 111, the country will come to a standstill because no other projects will take place,” he stated.
He noted that work on some of the projects stalled because the previous administration did not make sufficient funds available for their completion.
According to him, the current government is working to mobilise resources to continue the projects and intends to complete at least 33 hospitals.
Mr. Beyuo further explained that the government had to conduct an audit of the projects to determine the actual cost involved and assess the stages of completion before proceeding with construction works.
“Another issue that delayed the work is that government needed to audit the projects to ascertain the cost involved and the level of completion of each facility,” he said.
He disclosed that allocations have already been made in the 2026 budget for 10 hospitals, which he described as evidence of the government’s commitment to the project.
According to him, the Minister of Health has directed contractors working on the 10 selected hospitals to return to site and resume work.
Touching on concerns regarding the government’s Free Primary Healthcare policy, Mr. Beyuo defended the initiative, saying it is aimed at ensuring equitable and unhindered access to basic healthcare services for all citizens.
He explained that the programme seeks to shift healthcare delivery from expensive curative treatment to preventive care, which would reduce pressure on outpatient departments at major hospitals across the country.
“If the Free Primary Healthcare policy is sustained, many people may not even need to go to hospitals. So those suggesting that money for the programme should be diverted to Agenda 111 do not clearly understand the concept,” he added.
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