Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah, Minister of Health, says the absence of proper emergency services in the health sector has been identified as a serious gap and is receiving urgent attention. She said steps have been taken to ensure that all the major hospitals and clinics in the country offer 24-hour emergency services manned by trained and dedicated staff. She said the ministry is in the process of negotiating for a few well-equipped ambulances manned by trained medical and para-medicals who can start treatment and even operations on the way to hospital. Dr Brookman-Amissah was launching the Medical Emergency Relief Services-Ghana, (MedRelief) an NGO engaged in emergency relief services, health and environmental education. It is made up of doctors, nurses and some volunteers. The Health Minster noted that ”it is becoming more and more vital for us in the developing world to confront certain structural phenomena which over the years have posed serious obstacles to the attainment of our health goals.” Dr Brookman-Amissah invited the private sector to consider investing in ambulance services so that the Ministry can concentrate on providing medical care. JOY
