Josiah
The Minister-designate for Health and outgoing Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has indicated plans to release a book chronicling Ghana’s efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a visit to the new Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Dr. Okoe Boye highlighted the vital role played by the military in the COVID-19 task force. He recounted challenging experiences, including delivering logistics to the north, flying with military personnel, and distributing essential items during the pandemic. Dr. Okoe Boye expressed gratitude for the frontline workers’ dedication and revealed that the book, encapsulating the country’s experiences over the two to three years of the pandemic, is now completed.
He also reiterated the National Health Insurance Authority’s commitment to supporting all military health establishments. Lt. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of Defence Staff, appreciated the ongoing collaboration between the military and the NHIA. He emphasized the importance of preparedness for future pandemics and suggested the establishment of a biomedical unit.
Lt. Gen. Oppong-Peprah stated, “There is a need for us to look at establishing a biomedical unit to immediately respond to such outbreaks so that we are not caught unprepared. This is something that we are gradually developing, so at some point in time, we will be calling on your office for advice and guidance and also for us to have effective collaboration in doing this.
The Armed Forces are also there for disaster management, and as part of that, there is a need for us to build that capacity. So, this idea of establishing a biomedical unit specifically for the outbreak of pandemics is something that I am going to pursue as Chief of Defence Staff.”
