The persistent funding challenges confronting Grand Kru County healthcare sector have claimed an individual senator’s attention.
As such, the senate statutory committee on health has formulated plan to conduct a one-day assessment of the health system.
For that, the county Senator, Numene T. H. Bartekwa, has spoken of the need to assess the situation, and thereafter, provide an opportunity that would draw national attention to difficulties affecting healthcare delivery.
Bartekwa made the statement during an interview with the Voice of Grand Kru on Friday, October 2.
He explained how members have desired to obtain firsthand information on the condition of healthcare facilities, and the challenges faced by health workers and citizens.
He also spoke of the level of financial support allocated to the health team, and Rally Time Hospital in Grand Cess.
Bartekwa described the existing annual budget for the two institutions as “grossly insufficient to adequately respond to the healthcare needs of the county.”
He has meanwhile, called for a significant increase in the Ministry of health budgetary allocation. He argued that additional resources are needed to close gaps within the health sector.
Bartekwa said, the assessment will allow members of the committee to better understand the challenges before they make recommendations for possible government intervention.
The exercise will begin with a PowerPoint presentation by the Grand Kru County Health Team.
The presentation is expected to provide lawmakers with an overview of the health sector, including progress made, ongoing programs, existing gaps, and the major challenges confronting healthcare delivery.
Following the presentation, the committee will visit several health facilities, including Rally Time Hospital in Grand Cess.
The inspection is expected to give lawmakers an opportunity to observe the conditions of health facilities, and assess the available services and resources.
The nationwide assessment will provide the senate with information that could inform future policy decisions, legislative oversight, and budgetary recommendations for the health sector.
