The Ministry of Health has unveiled Ghana’s first National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP), which addresses critical gaps in surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia care to enhance the well-being of all residents in the country.
At the official launch, Deputy Minister for Health Alexander Akwasi Acquah emphasized that the policy includes strategic interventions, concrete targets, clear indicators, a comprehensive implementation plan, and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure progress and accountability.
Acquah highlighted that the NSOAP is designed to improve health outcomes, specifically in surgical care, obstetrics, and anaesthesia services.
He also underscored the plan’s focus on addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education, which significantly impact health outcomes.
The policy envisions access to safe, high-quality, and affordable surgical services as a fundamental right for all people living in Ghana. To achieve this, the NSOAP incorporates principles of equity and accessibility.
Prof. Afua A. J. Hesse, Vice Chairman of the Technical Committee, stressed that the successful implementation of the policy will depend on multi-stakeholder collaboration, including public-private partnerships and effective coordination across various levels.
The implementation of the NSOAP is projected to require $502 million to ensure its success and sustainability.
