Linda Akrasi Kotey
4 June 2008
The MP for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak says as a nation we should not be dependent on foreign aid to secure the future of expectant mothers as well as children under five years old. He added that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), should be used in financing the health status of Ghanaians and desist from pushing the financial distress of the Health Centers on expectant mothers.
Contributing to a statement on Free Medical Care for expectant mothers from the President, the MP said as a country, we should be able to take care of our own people and the needy without necessarily falling on foreign aid.
In her statement to parliament, MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Gifty Kusi said the free medicals for expectant mothers is a laudable gesture from the President and she used the opportunity to congratulate government for securing £42 million grant to help broaden the reach of medical care to pregnant women in the country.
She stated that with the free medical care for pregnant women, there would be a drastic reduction in maternal mortality, which is a target set under the Millennium Development Goals.
According to her, the Women Caucus are particularly grateful because this move by the government is consistent with their efforts in helping to reduce maternal mortality and are positive that the fight for the eradication of maternal deaths has been given a boost.
Mrs. Kusi explained that in view of this and other health problems, the NPP government among other things introduced the NHIS to replace the inhumane Cash and Carry system, which was implemented by the previous government.
With a broadened scheme under the Free Medical Care, every pregnant woman will receive free medical care irrespective of whether they hold an NHIS ID or not.
She maintained that women all over Ghana are very happy about the free medical services for pregnant mothers, and are really appreciative of the government's concern to alleviate the plight of expectant mothers in Ghana.
"I would also want to advice that the necessary steps have to be taken to ensure that problems associated with the second and last delays are tackled," she emphasized.
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