2019 Budget: UG Medical Centre Gets $50m Loan for Phase 2

The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated government’s approval of a $50 million loan to commence the construction of the second phase of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).

According to him, government has a commitment to ensure the country’s health sector gets all the needed support.

Presenting the 2019 Budget Statement in Parliament, yesterday, the minister outlines several health interventions that the health sector was poised to see in the coming year.

“Mr. Speaker, to address the inadequate health facilities that continue to bedevil our fellow Ghanaians, Government has received Parliamentary approval for a USD50m loan to complete Phase II of the University of Ghana Medical School which is awaiting the conclusion of a Value for Money audit,” he said.

Other Initiatives

Mr Ofori-Atta further indicated that plans were in place to convert the Ho Regional Hospital to a Teaching Hospital, and also upgrade the Hohoe Municipal Hospital into a Regional Hospital.

“[The government] will construct a total of 15 CHPS compounds; two in Greater Accra Region, five in Brong-Ahafo Region, two in Ashanti Region and three in Eastern Region.

“The government] will construct one District Hospital and five Polyclinics in Western Region, and equip foue selected facilities at Aburi, Kyebi, Atibie and Mampong,” he indicated.

The Minister also revealed that the 500-bed military hospital at Afari near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, will be completed in 2019, while the third phase of the 37 Military Hospital project in Accra will also commence that same year.

NHIS

The minister outlining some notable achievements in health sector said pitfalls of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) have been addressed.

He said, “The days of an ailing NHIS are behind us. We have re-energised the scheme which is now able to settle its bills, thereby ensuring that many more Ghanaians have access to quality healthcare across the country.”

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]