Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, has said government would continue embarking on proactive policies and programmes, to ensure access to basic quality health service delivery.
He said it was incumbent on all stakeholders, the State, Church, community and health professionals to re-commit themselves to the ideals and principles that underlined quality healthcare delivery.
Mr Amenowode, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe -South said this at the launch of the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the Margaret Marquart Catholic Hospital (MMCH) at Kpando.
The hospital was established by Dr. Margaret in 1960 with sisters Philli Fucks and Anita Linninger of the Grail Movement, all of Germany.
He re-emphasised government's commitment towards the implementation on the one-time premium payment, under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and implored stakeholders to lend credence towards the success of the repackaged scheme when it takes-off.
Mr Amenowode announced that child and maternal health promotion, combating HIV/AIDS, provision of necessary infrastructure, improved facilities and logistics were top on government's agenda.
He acknowledged the enormous role of the Catholic Church towards national development efforts and challenged the citizenry of the Kpando district to donate a landmark project to commemorate the Golden jubilee scheduled for February 2011.
Mr Amenowode appealed to the management of the hospital, Catholic Hospital Association of Ghana (CHAG) and the Ho Diocese to consider reactivating the defunct Nursing Training, sited at the MMCH, pledging the support of the Regional Coordinating Council.
Dr. Timothy Letsa, Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced that the Ministry of Health and GHS are enforcing a policy, which disallowed patients to be admitted on the floor.
He said computer software was being piloted to address the delays inherent in the re-imbursement of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims in health facilities in the region.
Dr. Letsa appealed to health institutes to submit their claims promptly in order to avoid jeopardising the Scheme, which was enjoying high patronage.
Mr Franscis Ganyaglo, Kpando District Chief Executive commended management and staff for their dedication and commitment to duty, reminding nurses to treat patients with dignity.
Reverend Sister Dr Lucy Hometowu, Medical Superintendent of MMCH said the hospital serves the 72,000 population of the district, including cases from Hohoe, Jasikan, Afram Plains and Togo.
She mentioned areas for urgent rehabilitation works as the maternity block, obstetric theatre, medical and surgical wards, main theatre, bungalows and access roads, adding that, it aimed at an international status upon completion.
Most Rev. Francis Anani K. Lodonu, Catholic Bishop of Ho Diocese, launching the anniversary, said the Catholic vision of healthcare delivery was to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, engaging the body and soul.
Togbui Dagadu VIII, Paramount Chief of Akpini Traditional Area pledged the support of the Council towards the anniversary.
It was under the theme, "50 Years of Catholic Mission Health Delivery: Quality Healthcare, A Right For All".