The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has thrown its support behind the Government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, describing the initiatives as important interventions to improve healthcare access and reduce the financial burden on vulnerable Ghanaians.
Speaking at the opening of the Seventh Development and Social Services (DSS) Consultation Forum at the Presbyterian Women’s Centre, Abokobi, the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, said the Church remains committed to supporting policies that expand access to quality healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage.
“The Presbyterian Church supports policies that remove barriers to healthcare and advance universal access to quality health services,” the Moderator stated.
He noted that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, with its focus on preventive care, routine screening, and basic treatment at no cost, has the potential to transform primary healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye also welcomed the operationalisation of Mahama Cares, describing it as a timely intervention that would provide relief to individuals and families struggling with the high cost of treating chronic non-communicable diseases and other conditions requiring specialised medical care.
According to him, sustained investment in healthcare financing remains critical to improving health outcomes and protecting the dignity of vulnerable populations.
Highlighting the Church’s contribution to national healthcare delivery, the Moderator said the Presbyterian Church of Ghana currently operates 61 health facilities across 13 regions of the country, employing more than 4,300 personnel and providing approximately 1,600 hospital beds.
He added that the Church’s Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges continue to play a strategic role in producing healthcare professionals who serve in both public and private health institutions across the nation.
On behalf of the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Dr. Mavis Sakyi commended the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for its longstanding contribution to healthcare delivery and acknowledged the Church as a key partner in Ghana’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.
She reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with faith-based healthcare providers and highlighted ongoing measures to improve National Health Insurance Scheme reimbursements and healthcare financing.
Dr. Sakyi further invited the Presbyterian Church and other faith-based organisations to explore opportunities for partnership in the completion and management of selected Agenda 111 hospital projects, describing such collaboration as essential to expanding access to quality healthcare nationwide.
The forum reaffirmed the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s commitment to holistic ministry through healthcare, social intervention, and human development while strengthening partnerships with government and development partners to improve the well-being and dignity of all Ghanaians.
By Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
