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| The Dignitaries at the launch |
The
Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) has launched its Golden Jubilee
Anniversary, amidst calls for all stakeholders to uphold the Church-State
partnership and strengthen growth and development of Ghana’s health sector.
Most
Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference who
made the call, enumerated some challenges CHAG facilities were facing, and asked
Government and Ghanaians to take a critical look at the financial
sustainability of CHAG health services in the interest and viability of Ghana
Health System.
In
its 50-year existence, Archbishop Naameh, noted that CHAG has facilitated
equitable access to health care, by the poor, needy, marginalized, neglected
and vulnerable segments of the society.
Touching
on the theme for the jubilee: “50 years of Christian Health Service Delivery;
improving and sustaining innovations,” the Archbishop, who doubles as the
Archbishop of Tamale, stated that through the modest contributions of CHAG,
many lives and livelihoods have been restored.
He
said CHAG as the second largest provider of Health Service in Ghana, with about
30-35% share of health service output, pioneered and piloted 40 Community Based
Insurance Schemes, in the 1990s that culminated into Ghana’s National Health
Scheme in 2004.
“In
crisis situations, we serve as buffers and resilience to the health system; our
non-strike tradition under all circumstances has immeasurably supported and
strengthened our county’s health system against shocks and perineal challenges”
he stated.
Archbishop
Naameh paid glowing tributes to the owners of CHAG, the Government for their
collaboration over the years and the missionaries for their invaluable role, as
well as commended all CHAG frontline staff for their dedication and commitment.
He also applauded the efforts of the development partners and the stakeholders
for their support.
He
however challenged the CHAG staff to reflect on the mission to serve humanity
with dedication and fidelity, in order to sustain the delivery of quality
health care to all.
Dame
Dr. Mrs. Agatha Akua Bonney, Chairperson of CHAG Board, who chaired the
function remarked that the occasion was a historic one which celebrates quality
Christian health delivery to Ghanaians and others in neighbouring countries.
Acknowledging
the fruits of collaborative support, sacrifices of people, who contributed in CHAG’s
milestone, she noted that the association should in the next 50 years be
dynamic and poise for action and innovation.
She
noted that CHAG must seek to reposition herself to be relevant in the healing
ministry and in anchoring the hopes of health seekers and all stakeholders to
access improved and sustainable quality, accessible and affordable health care.
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| Archbishop Philip Naameh being assisted to cut the tape |
The
Executive Director of CHAG, Mr. Peter K. Yeboah, who recounted that the
Association was formed in 1967 as a formal collaborative network of the
Christian Missionaries in Health care.
“Today,
through a network of 302 Health Facilities and Health Training Institutions,
CHAG continues to serve as a reliable partner in Ghana’s health sector.”
Mr.
Yeboah commended the Church leaders and founding fathers for forging a
Christian Health Service dedicated to promoting ethical healthcare and holistic
formation of health workers. He thanked Government and all stakeholders,
including the Board members for their diverse contribution to CHAG’s growth and
development.
He
announced that the Golden Jubilee celebrations, which would be climaxed early
November 2017 would take place across, districts and various communities of
Ghana.
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| CHAG Golden Jubilee House |
In
a solidarity message Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary of
Christian Council of Ghana, entreated CHAG not to limit the celebration to the
office based on or a religious entertainment but must involve the Church and
Ghanaians, while extolling the achievement of CHAG.
Faced
with dwindling donor funds and other financial constraints, Dr. Opuni-Frimpong
charged Ghanaian Christians to be prepared to support the sustenance and
development of the Christian Health service in Ghana.
He
tasked CHAG facilities to be uphold their unique Christian identity, and strengthen
quality assurance in the quality delivery healthcare.
Among
dignitaries’ present was Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Bishop of Ho and the
Episcopal Chairman for Health who together with others unveiled the Golden
Jubilee anniversary cloth.
As part of
the Anniversary, the newly refurbished Golden Jubilee building at the
Secretariat was commissioned by Archbishop Naameh and the dignitaries at the
launch.
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| Some dignitaries displaying the anniversary cloth |
