Ghana’s efforts to reach universal health coverage by 2030 seem more far-reaching than attainable as access to medical care remains elusive for many of its citizens.

With less than 6 years to end the Sustainable Development Goal on equitable health, Deputy Director of Clinical Care at the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, Dr Rita Larsen-Reindorf says the country has only attained less than 50% of its target over the last two decades.

Dr Rita Larsen-Reindorf highlighted the need for concerted efforts to achieve universal health coverage following the country’s limited healthcare accessibility.

“We say health for all by 2030, but we are far from it. It’s taken us 21 years to double our coverage. We moved from 24% in 2000 to around 48% in 2021. This means that the formal health system cannot work alone. We need everyone on board,” she said.

She was speaking at the launch of the Medical Missions under the Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), an interdenominational event spearheaded by the Deeper Christian Life Ministries in collaboration with the Ghana Christian Council, and the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches Council.

The Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK) is an annual gospel outreach programme with Dr William F. Kumuyi that seeks to strengthen the faith of steadfast believers ahead of the second advent of Christ.

Ahead of the main crusade slated for later this month, a free medical outreach programme has been inaugurated.

The medical outreach is a four-day event that would see thousands of residents, including prison inmates, receive various health care needs.

The medical missions will include a primary care consultation, eye and dental care, mental health support, maternal and child care, medication dispensing, ENT, counselling and surgical services.

Senior Medical Officer at the Agogo Presby Hospital, Dr Samuel Adjei, explains the outreach will not only meet the health needs of the people but also their spiritual concerns.

“We’ll have the opportunity not to only provide medical needs but also counsel them spiritually to ensure the next stage of their life is better,” he said.

Over 150 health professionals from across the globe including Germany, the UK, the USA, Nigeria, Bulgaria, and Ghana will provide free medical care to patients and attendees.

National Overseer - DCLM, Pastor Edward K Duodu reiterated the crusade’s commitment to supporting the society by whichever means possible.

“This is a testament to the spirit of unity. This outreach is more than a medical mission. It is an expression of our commitment to the well-being of people. We are here to provide not just medical care but to extend a hand of friendship, love and support to our community,” he said.

Meanwhile, the International Coordinator of the GCK Medical Missions, Dr Jeremiah Ayeni allayed misconceptions of the Christian faith not reaching out to the destitute in society.
“People have the perception that Christians are only observers of how their neighbours suffer in society. But this is untrue. We are always ready to support the underprivileged and destitute in society,” he said.

Below are the scheduled dates for the Medical outreach programme:

Sunday, July 21, 2024: Maternal and Child Health Outreach (i.e. 6 months pregnant and upward, and those with children from one to 6 months) at the Prempeh Assembly Hall at 8 am.

Monday, July 22, 2024: General Medical Care for all medical conditions at the Jubilee Park at 8 am.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024: General Medical Care for all medical conditions at the Alpha University College, Ghana, Brofoyeduru at 8 am.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024: General Medical Care for all medical conditions at the Heroes Park at 8 am.

Monday to Wednesday: Prisons Medical Outreach.