President Nana Akufo-Addo presenting a plaque to Mrs. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh
President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday presented an award to Mrs. Vivian Opoku-Kyeremeh who emerged as the overall most outstanding staff at the 2nd edition of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Excellence awards.
Mrs. Vivian Opoku Kyeremeh, who is a principal nursing officer from Bono and works at the Dumasua CHPS in the Sunyani West District and also worked with the Ghana Health Service for 34 years, was among 77 other health service personnel who received various prizes at the ceremony.
She received a brand new VW Virtus saloon car, a plaque, a 50 inch LED Smart TV, a certificate and an all expense paid trip for two to Dubai.
Apart from the overall national winner, General Staff category, other categories of awards include most outstanding Staff, CHPS; Most Outstanding Health Centre; Most Outstanding staff, Regional Health Directorate; Most Outstanding Staff, Headquarters.
Others include Institutional and Leadership Excellence award, CHPS; Institutional and Leadership Excellence awards, Primary Level Hospital; Institutional and Leadership Excellence awards, Secondary level; Institutional and Leadership Excellence awards, District Health Directorate; Director-General’s Special awards categories among others
Speaking at the awards ceremony under the theme, “Sustaining Partnership for Effective and Efficient Healthcare Delivery”, President Akufo-Addo said the awards offers a memorable opportunity for the country to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional contribution of Ghana’s public sector health workers and institutions as well as the invaluable support of organisations whose dedication strengthens the collective vision for quality health care for all Ghanaians.
The President said the Ghana Health Service is an example of an institution that shows resilience and progress, reflecting the enduring spirit of the country which is greatly inspired by the impressive surprise made by the Service in advancing health care delivery across the country.
He said despite the challenges health workers faced in recent past, Ghanaians have witnessed an unwavering commitment of the health sector in overcoming obstacles and have also emerged stronger.
“Our national aspirations for a robustly inclusive health care system are inextricably linked to the global goals of universal health coverage. Together, we’re forging a resilient health care system that truly serves the people of Ghana.
According to the President, over the past eight years, government has recruited 202,527 medical personnel including medical officers, house officers, and specialists, support staff, including administrative managers, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, medical specialists, allied health professionals among others.
He said government has also prioritised investments in the training and development of the country’s health care workforce to ensure that professionals are equipped with the requisite skills and competencies to provide world class care at every level of service delivery.
President Akufo-Addo added that the introduction of nationwide electronic medical records, telemedicine platforms, and the world-run medical drug delivery service were not only transforming patient care but has also bridged the gap between airborne and rural health care access.
The President further explained that the implementation of the network of practices is also transforming access to primary health care, ensuring that underserved populations receive timely, high-quality services while its flagship Agenda 111 initiative, which is providing 101 standard, 100-bed district hospitals with accommodation for doctors and nurses in districts without hospitals are all transforming the lives of Ghanaians.
All those initiatives, the President explained demonstrate collectively the country’s resolve to address the health care needs of people, relieve pressure on existing systems while enhancing accessibility and quality care for millions of Ghanaians.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah