The former president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has stated that there was an urgent need for the establishment of another medical research center with the capacity of Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research in the Northern region.
In an address on April 4, during which he donated hospital items to support the COVID-19 team, he suggested to the government to consider expanding the 37 military hospital in Accra and doubling the current bed size.
He recommended the establishment of three fully-equipped infectious Disease sectors in the south, the middle and the northern sectors of the country to help with the management of cases like Ebola and Covid-19.
While donating Personal Protective Equipment to the Codvid-19 team, he added that as part of “our national strategic medical stock, PPEs and other vital logistics should be readily available ahead of any outbreak.”
“To reduce dependence and shortage of PPEs in times like this, we must boost the local manufacturing firms to produce these items locally,” he stated.
Former President Mahama urged the government to expand the testing centers which includes the Navrongo and Kintampo Research centers and ensure that Noguchi or KCCR supports them to test more people and on time.
He also urged the government to move the deadlines for businesses to submit their SSNIT and Tax returns a few months back due to factors like depletion of power and difficulty in mobility of payments.
Foodstuffs should be distributed to deprived homes and communities.
According to him, in addition, Vitamin C, fruits and food supplements as well as expanding LEAP to cover many more poor households should also be a priority.
He urged the Ministry of Health to target and support vulnerable groups of people with weaknesses like Cancer, Diabetes, Asthma, and Pregnant women.
“There should be a zero percent indirect tax rate on essential goods such as sanitizers, toiletries, and food for a while and also, health workers and personnel fighting against coronavirus should be insured,” he indicated.
The former President also added that the Ecowas and AU should come to a consensus and put in efforts to manage borders and leverage on food production capabilities.
In his view, the government should also negotiate with the Telcos to reduce their prices and also free extension of license for 6 months.
He concluded by urging the general public to stick the necessary safety protocols thus to stay at home, wash hands frequently with soap under running water and to maintain social distance to win the fight against coronavirus.
Source: Newswatchgh.com//Amos Kwame Kpeli
