Consider constituting ministry for public health – Experts

Health experts are calling on government to establish a ministry of public health to tackle head-on, public health problems in Ghana.

According to Former Dean of the University Of Ghana School Of Public Health, Prof Fred Binka, and Director of Nuguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Prof Kwabena Bosompem, there is inadequate budget and resources to address public health emergencies.

In an exclusive interview with Class news’ Jerry Akornor after media launch of the 10th Anniversary of Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (GFELTP) in Accra on Thursday, August 17, Epidemiology Professor, Fred Binka, said the separate ministry is required to strengthen surveillance systems.

On his part, Prof Kwabena Bosompem said such a novelty will help build consistent national capacity against outbreaks of diseases in the sub region.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, Dr. Badu Sarkodie, has proposed capacity building in the area of surveillance, disease prevention and control, to meet international public health regulations target. According to him, Ghana is obliged to meet said targets and must be prepared for it.