President John Dramani Mahama has directed relevant government agencies to work closely with Mercy Ships to ensure the smooth delivery of free specialist surgical services to Ghanaians.
He gave the directive during a visit to the Mercy Ships vessel currently in Ghana, where he interacted with the medical teams providing specialist care.
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President Mahama said patients should not lose hope because treatment is too far away or beyond their financial means, noting that the mission gives many people the opportunity to access life-changing surgeries.
He also called for proper follow-up care and continued collaboration between Mercy Ships and Ghanaian health professionals to ensure that the benefits of the mission extend beyond the vessel’s 10-month stay.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the mission was targeting at least 2,400 surgeries and dental treatments, including procedures for cleft lip and palate, cataracts, tumours, orthopaedic conditions such as clubfoot, and other general and reconstructive procedures.
He added that the mission would also provide training opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals.
Mercy Ships CEO, Dr Michelle White, said about 200 patients had already received surgery, with thousands more surgical and dental procedures expected during the mission.
The 10-month mission is expected to provide thousands of Ghanaians with access to free specialist surgical and dental care while creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and skills development among Ghanaian health professionals.
