The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called upon the government to designate five percent of oil revenue to the health sector. This move is seen as crucial for addressing various healthcare challenges, including disease management, staff retention, and infrastructure enhancement.
Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, the President of the GRNMA, emphasized the importance of this investment in preventing a healthcare crisis in the country. He pointed out that the current neglect and lack of resources have already had a detrimental impact on the sector.
During an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr. Twum stressed the need for bold decisions to ensure adequate financing for the health sector. He proposed that between two to five percent of oil revenue should be directed towards healthcare to improve service delivery.
Additionally, Dr. Twum advocated for the continuation of nursing training allowances, citing a study that revealed student-nurses handle 40% of nursing workload in hospitals. These allowances serve as a form of compensation for their significant contributions to the healthcare system.
On a related note, Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Center for Democratic Development fellow on health, called on the government to commit to the Abuja declaration. This declaration mandates that governments invest 15% of revenue in the health sector to effectively combat diseases and safeguard public health.
By allocating a portion of oil revenue to healthcare and upholding nursing training allowances, Ghana can enhance its healthcare infrastructure, retain skilled personnel, and provide quality healthcare services to its citizens. This proactive approach to healthcare funding will contribute to the overall well-being of the population and strengthen the healthcare system in the long run.
