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Girls Shall Grow, an Obuasi-based NGO is the latest to join calls on the government to support the treatment of kidney disease through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Speaking at their Living Right conference, primarily held for girls in Obuasi, the Executive Director of the NGO, Louisa Amoah, highlighted the financial burden placed on patients due to the high cost of renal disease treatment.
Amoah emphasized the need for the NHIS to expand its coverage to include kidney diseases. She believes this step would enable individuals living with the disease to access quality healthcare, ultimately saving lives.
“The cost of dialysis has been a major problem for patients undergoing the process,” she said. “As a Girl Child advocate, we have observed an increasing number of young girls developing kidney diseases. Hence, our call for the government to consider adding kidney disease treatment to the NHIS.”
The Living Right conference coincided with the NGO’s 5th Anniversary. Mrs. Amoah mentioned that Girls Shall Grow has successfully addressed issues affecting the girl child, such as teenage pregnancy, leading to a decline in teenage pregnancies and an increase in girls’ school enrollment.
The NGO has built the self-esteem, confidence, and resilience of the girl child through mentoring programs, providing guidance and support to help them navigate challenges and make positive life choices.
Amoah acknowledged that the battle against discrimination and marginalization of the Girl Child requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and religious leaders. She also emphasized the importance of giving equal attention to the male child in discussions about women’s empowerment.
Urgent intervention
During the Living Right conference, Pastor Maxwell Kumi of Christ Embassy Church in Obuasi raised concerns about the increasing attrition rate among teachers and nurses in Ghana. He called on churches to intervene and help address this worrisome trend.
Experts have expressed concerns about Ghana’s future due to the high rate of migration of professional medical practitioners, including nurses and doctors, seeking better working conditions in developed countries. Many have left the country in search of opportunities abroad.
Pastor Kumi stressed that it is crucial for religious leaders to speak out against this phenomenon. He advised the government to implement measures that encourage trained professionals to stay and work in the country. He also highlighted the need for Ghana to preserve its values, culture, and laws.
Additionally, Pastor Kumi encouraged the youth to remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to biblical teachings while pursuing academic excellence.
The participants of the program, mostly students from first and second cycle institutions in Obuasi, commended Girls Shall Grow for their efforts in empowering the girl child over the years.
SOURCE: SAMPSON MANU/ ISD OBUASI
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