President John Dramani Mahama has assured residents of the Volta Region that the government will next year commence the establishment of a modern cardiovascular (cardio) centre in Ho as part of efforts to improve access to specialised healthcare across the country.
According to the President, the Ho facility will be one of two new cardio centres expected to be developed next year to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to diagnose and treat heart-related diseases, particularly for people living outside the capital.
President Mahama said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to decentralising specialised healthcare services and ensuring that patients no longer have to travel long distances to access advanced cardiac treatment.
He noted that the planned facility in Ho will significantly improve healthcare delivery in the Volta Region and neighbouring regions by providing quality cardiovascular care closer to patients.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in the health sector through improved infrastructure, modern medical equipment, and the training of healthcare professionals to deliver quality services.
“We’re building two cardiothoracic centers, one in the middle belt in Komfo Anokye Hospital, and one in the northern belt in Tamale Teaching Hospital. But we’re also advancing plans next year to start two new cardio centres, one in Ho, and one in Takoradi. And when we build the cardio centres, you have a modern cath lab installed in the center to have all the equipment, you know, for diagnosing and treating heart disease.”
In addressing the importance of free primary healthcare, President Mahama stated, “The free primary healthcare program has already been launched in the region. I encourage you to activate it effectively so that our people can fully benefit from it. As the minister mentioned, there is also the aspect that covers non-communicable diseases, which falls under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, commonly referred to as Mahama Care.
In cases where individuals are diagnosed through free primary healthcare and require further treatment that the national health insurance does not cover, they can turn to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. By applying online through the portal, patients will be referred to a specialist. After diagnosis, the fund will cover both the cost of diagnosis and treatment.
Some treatments, such as those for cancer and cardiovascular diseases, can be very costly. Additionally, renal dialysis is also expensive. To address these issues, Mahama Care is establishing dialysis centers across the country and providing equipment to diagnose and treat cancers and other non-communicable diseases.
Once you register and are accepted as a patient, you will be assigned to a facility that will cover your care costs. This initiative is aimed at achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that regardless of your situation, there will be a facility available for support.”
President John Dramani Mahama made the pronouncement during a Free Primary Healthcare Programme durbar held at the Ho Municipal Hospital as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region.
Residents and health professionals in the Volta Region have welcomed the announcement, expressing optimism that the project will ease the burden on patients who currently travel to Accra and other major cities for specialist heart care.
The proposed cardio centre is expected to enhance the region’s healthcare system and improve outcomes for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases when construction begins next year.
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