Source: Mavis Fantevi
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has settled the medical bills of 85 patients across several health facilities in his constituency, in an intervention that comes at a time of growing concern over the cost of healthcare in Ghana.
The gesture, announced during the Easter period, targeted patients on admission who were unable to fully cover their treatment expenses.
According to the MP, the beneficiaries were receiving care at Battor Catholic Hospital, St. Anne’s Polyclinic in Tagadzi, Juapong Health Centre, VRA Hospital in Akosombo, Fodzoku Health Centre, Mafi Dedukope Health Centre, Mafi Adidome Health Centre, and Podoe Health Centre.
“In the spirit of Easter, I have paid the full medical bills of all 85 beloved North Tongu constituents on admission in the following hospitals,” he stated in a social media post.
The intervention highlights the financial pressure many Ghanaians continue to face in accessing healthcare, despite the presence of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Patients often encounter additional costs such as laboratory tests, medications, and other services not fully covered by insurance, leaving many to rely on personal funds or external support.
Health policy analysts have repeatedly raised concerns about out-of-pocket payments, which remain a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income households. In some cases, patients are unable to leave health facilities after treatment due to unpaid bills.
Mr. Ablakwa’s move underscores the role of individual and community-level support systems in bridging gaps within the healthcare system, especially during periods when economic pressures are high.
He also wished the beneficiaries a speedy recovery and expressed hope that continued attention will be given to improving healthcare affordability across the country.