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Parliament has given its approval for a budget allocation of GH¢15.577 billion to fund the Ministry of Health’s operations in 2024.
The decision, based on the recommendations of the Committee on Health after assessing the Ministry’s 2024 Annual Budget Estimates, the 2023 Budget Performance, and the 2024 Outlook, highlights the crucial need for regular fund disbursement and commitment fulfillment by the Ministry of Finance.
The Committee’s report, presented by Chairman Nana Ayew Afriyie on Saturday, emphasized key focus areas for the Ministry, emphasizing the completion of ongoing projects and the allocation of resources to essential healthcare initiatives.
Afriyie stressed the significance of prioritizing government initiatives, stating, “We recommend the approval of the budget to ensure the completion of vital projects like the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the construction of regional and district hospitals.”
Among the upcoming projects for the Ministry in 2024 are the construction of a 100-bed Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the completion and handover of hospitals in Sewua and Salaga, and the reactivation of projects in Kumawu, Fomena, and Tarkoradi under the European Flat Projects.
The Committee emphasized the importance of refurbishing healthcare facilities, including the Asawinso Health Centre in the Western North Region, and completing the construction, remodeling, and refurbishment of Treatment and Holding Centres in Goaso (Ahafo Region), Nalerigu (North East Region), Tarkoradi (Western Region), and Sunyani (Bono Region).
Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)
One of the key recommendations in the Committee’s report focused on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
The Committee observed that the FDA’s current retention of 70% of its internally generated funds (IGF) is insufficient for operational expenses.
The Chairman advocated for a change in the FDA’s funding structure stating, “We recommend that the FDA be decapped of the 30% IGF, granting the Authority financial autonomy to carry out critical regulatory functions.
The Committee also addressed challenges related to staff attrition and brain drain in the health sector. The Tamale Teaching Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital reported significant attrition rates, prompting concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery.
The Committee called for measures to address this issue and retain healthcare professionals.
Agenda 111 Progress
The Committee also provided insights into the progress of the Ghana Priority Health Infrastructure Project, commonly referred to as Agenda 111.
As of November 2023, approximately US$251,439,341.06 has been spent on the project, representing 19.69 percent of the total contract sum of US$1,277,260,553.44.
The Committee acknowledged the challenges posed by International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditionalities, leading to the temporary suspension of some regional hospital projects.
According to the Chairman, the project management and design consultancy revealed that 287 out of 293 contracts have been awarded, with 270 currently active.
The Committee highlighted the importance of addressing challenges faced by the 17 inactive contractors to ensure the timely completion of Agenda 111 projects.
National Vaccine Institute
The report also covered the establishment and budgetary considerations for the National Vaccine Institute, initiated in response to COVID-19 vaccine supply issues.
The Institute is set to commence full operations in 2024, with a budget of GH¢78,800,000.00 funded by the Government. The Committee acknowledged the Institute’s critical role in local vaccine development and manufacturing.
The Committee underscored the need for sustained funding, strategic project management, and initiatives to retain skilled healthcare professionals.
