President John Dramani Mahama has instructed relevant government agencies to collaborate fully with Mercy Ships to guarantee the seamless delivery of free specialist surgical operations to Ghanaians across the country.
The President gave the order following a tour of the hospital vessel currently docked in Ghana, where he met with the international medical teams administering specialized care to patients.
Addressing the gathering during his visit, President Mahama stressed that no Ghanaian should abandon hope simply because specialized medical treatment appears geographically distant or financially unobtainable. He noted that the arrival of the vessel provides thousands of vulnerable citizens with a rare opportunity to access life-changing procedures.
The President further highlighted the need for robust post-operative care and continuous collaboration between the visiting team and local health workers. He explained that establishing strong professional links would ensure the benefits of the project extend well beyond the vessel’s ten-month stay in the country.
Speaking on the scope of the intervention, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, disclosed that the mission aims to perform at least 2,400 surgeries and dental procedures. The targeted conditions include cleft lips and palates, cataracts, complex tumours, and paediatric orthopaedic conditions such as clubfoot, along with various general and reconstructive surgeries.
The Health Minister added that the initiative double-functions as a capacity-building enterprise, offering practical training and clinical skill upgrades for local medical practitioners.
Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Ships, Dr Michelle White, confirmed that approximately 200 patients have already undergone successful operations since the vessel anchored. She expressed confidence that thousands more would benefit from the surgical and dental programmes before the project concludes.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana