President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disappointed Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the ranking member of the Parliament’s Health Committee, by failing to provide specific timetables for the purchase of infant immunizations.
Notwithstanding reports by the National Health Insurance Authority that more than GH70 million had been authorized for the purchase of the vaccines, certain regions of the country have been affected by a lack of vaccines in recent months.
Steps have been made, according to President Akufo-Addo, who stated as much in his State of the Nation Address on March 8, 2023, to ensure the vaccines are obtained and provided immediately.
“In accordance with our desire not to become part of this global trend, Government has taken steps to ensure that stocks of these vaccines are procured and supplied, as a matter of emergency. The Ghana Health Service has developed an elaborate program to catch up on children who have missed their vaccinations immediately after stocks arrive.
“I want to encourage all parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children are vaccinated, once this program begins. No child should be denied access to vaccination. Mercifully, so far, not a single child has died as a result of the outbreak,” the President said.
Yet, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh claimed in a press conference that the lack of vaccines in the nation prevents children from receiving quality medical care.
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“What is the meaning of emergency? What is the meaning of soon? They should be telling us the timelines. In the first place, we shouldn’t have gotten here. It looks like the President doesn’t appreciate the essence of urgency. For me, I’m simply uncomfortable and disappointed”.
“He had the opportunity to vaccinate his children and grandchildren. Children are born today and every minute, and they have no opportunity to be vaccinated. You are denying the people the right to good healthcare which is against the constitution of the land. In some jurisdictions, this is a crime for Christ’s sake, and I’m getting emotional about it,” the MP complained.
Seth Acheampong, the current Eastern Regional Minister and a former Mpraeso member of parliament, is in disagreement.
“He [President] said that no child will be left out without a vaccination, that is a promise and that is what we have to follow through. By the end of the vaccination period, if a child is left unvaccinated, then we know that he lied to us, but this is so early to say so,” the former MP said.
Source: citinewsroom.com