In a quest to improve Ghana’s healthcare system, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, officially inaugurated the Ghana National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) on Monday, April 7, 2025. The initiative aims to integrate essential surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia services into the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, ensuring equitable access to life-saving medical care for all Ghanaians.
During the inauguration ceremony at the Ministry of Health, Hon. Akandoh emphasized the critical role of the newly formed NSOAP Steering Committee in driving the plan’s success.
“The development of this plan aligns with our broader objectives for the health sector. It ensures essential surgical; obstetric and anesthesia services are incorporated into Ghana’s universal health coverage strategy”. The minister stated.
The NSOAP Steering Committee, chaired by Professor John Nkrumah Mills, comprises of leading surgeons, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, policymakers, and development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Health Service (GHS). Their mandate is to oversee the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the NSOAP strategy.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of their location or financial status, has access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care,” Prof. Mills assured during his address.
Key Objectives of the NSOAP
- Strengthening Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Services – Integrating these into primary healthcare to reduce delays in emergency care.
- Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality – Improving access to quality obstetric care, especially in rural areas.
- Enhancing Trauma and Emergency Care – Upgrading facilities to handle road accidents, injuries, and critical cases.
- Bridging the Urban-Rural Healthcare Gap – Ensuring equitable distribution of surgical resources nationwide.
- Boosting Healthcare Workforce Capacity – Training more specialists and improving retention in underserved regions.
As part of the government’s broader healthcare agenda, Hon. Akandoh conducted an inspection tour of key medical facilities, including:
Ahanta West Municipal Hospital infrastructure and Agenda 111 Sites in the Ashanti Region with the aim to review and evaluate the current state of the facilities and identify areas for improvement.
“Our goal is not just to build hospitals but to ensure they are fully equipped with skilled personnel and modern surgical capabilities,” the Minister remarked during his visit.
With this bold initiative, Ghana is poised to reduce surgical disparities, save lives, and build a resilient healthcare system for future generations.
Source: Ghana Med News.
