The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially inaugurated the Ghana National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) Implementation Steering Committee, a high-level body tasked with overseeing the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the country’s NSOAP strategy.
The newly inaugurated committee brings together a broad coalition of experts, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and development partners.
Their combined expertise and commitment will be instrumental in guiding the successful rollout of this strategic health plan, which seeks to integrate essential surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia services into Ghana’s broader universal health coverage (UHC) framework.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Kwabena Minister Akandoh emphasized the committee’s critical role in ensuring the NSOAP’s success.
“The development of this plan is in line with our broader objectives for the health sector. It ensures that essential surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia services are incorporated into Ghana’s universal health coverage strategy,” he said.
“This is an important step toward reducing maternal and child mortality, effectively managing trauma cases, and strengthening emergency and critical care services throughout the country” he added.
The Health Minister further noted that the success of the NSOAP would not only enhance the country’s healthcare system but also save countless lives by ensuring equitable access to quality surgical care for all Ghanaians, regardless of geographic location or financial capacity.
He called on the committee to approach their work with a sense of urgency, commitment, and excellence.
Responding to the Minister, the Chairman of the NSOAP Steering Committee, Prof. John Nkrumah Mills, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the committee.
He assured the Ministry and the public that the committee would work diligently, drawing on the support of development partners and all relevant stakeholders.
“We have to start right away—not to rush into implementing any programme but rather to plan, mobilize and strategize,” Prof. Mills stated.
“We must make haste not by cutting corners but by ensuring we do not waste time on minor issues. Our focus is on executing the NSOAP efficiently and effectively.”
Prof. Mills reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to its mandate, pledging that they would deliver on improving the management and accessibility of surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia services across the country.
