Participants at the launch with Abdullah Banda (middle)
A health outreach initiative for residents of Zongos and inner cities across the country was launched last Thursday at the Castle, Osu in Accra.
The initiative is a partnership between the Zongo and Inner Cities Development Secretariat of the Presidency and the Red Crescent’s Iran Clinic. The objective of the novelty is to bring medi-care to the doorsteps of residents of these segments of the country.
As a health outreach, the initiative will provide essential medical care, health education, and support services to over 20,000 residents in the inner cities and Zongo communities, especially the deprived.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, the National Coordinator of the Zongo and Inner Cities Development Secretariat, Ben Abdallah Banda, underscored the importance of access to adequate and affordable medi-care, which is critical in the socio-economic development of a country, as according to him, it engenders a healthy population.
It is for this reason, he went on that, government is directing efforts towards supporting people in the Zongo communities who face unique challenges to accessing quality health care.
“Today’s health outreach launch is intended to improve the well-being of our Zongo and inner cities communities to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of equity, inclusivity, and social justice and to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being,” he stated.
According to him, the programme will also augment the remarkable efforts by the NPP government which aims at enhancing access to quality healthcare through for instance, the provision of ambulances to all districts, recruitment of 120,000 healthcare professionals, the provision of drones for delivering health supplies as well as the construction of health facilities across the country dubbed ‘Agenda 111’.
All the initiatives executed, he said, would go a long way to affirm the NPP Government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its people.
The Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, Bijan Gerami while reflecting on the relationship between Ghana and Iran said the collaboration between the two has been marked by various endeavours which connects with the shared values of both countries.
According to him, good health is crucial for the progress and prosperity of any country, adding that it is reassuring to see the Zongo and Inner Cities Secretariat embarking on a novel programme to support the less privileged in some of these communities.
The Medical Director of the Iran Clinic, Masoud Maleki Birjandi also reiterated their commitment to continue to provide quality and affordable healthcare service to the people of the Greater Accra Region, especially among the less privileged. He thanked the government for providing them with an enabling environment in their bid to support humanity.
Minister for Public Enterprises and the chairman for the launch, Joseph Cudjoe said having lived in Effiakuma Zongo in the Western Region for over forty years and very conversant with prevailing conditions there, it was important that he supports such a novel initiative by the Zongo and Inner Cities Secretariat.
The launch, which was climaxed with a health screening exercise, also brought together the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, some Members of Parliament, Muslim clerics, chiefs, Muslim groups and associations, as well as students and residents in Zongo communities.
Also in attendance were Chairman of the Muslim Caucus in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Yendi Constituency, Farouk Aliu Mahama; and Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North, Suleman Adamu Sanid.
By Ebenezer Amponsah