Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has been directed to appear before Parliament within a week.
The summons is for Mr. Akandoh to provide a comprehensive briefing on the outbreak of cholera, cerebrospinal meningitis, and other public health emergencies in parts of the country.
The First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, issued the summons on Tuesday, February 11, following concerns by Members of Parliament (MPs) over rising disease outbreaks and the strain on healthcare facilities.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Effutu MP delivered a statement on the floor of Parliament regarding the cholera challenge in his constituency.
Currently, the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region is grappling with a cholera outbreak, which has resulted in 356 reported cases and two deaths.
Expressing worry over the great distress the disease has caused, Afenyo-Markin called for urgent action by the Health Minister to address the situation.
“Mr. Speaker, currently, we have affected persons receiving treatment at the Winneba Municipal Hospital, the Winneba Health Center, and the UEW Clinic. These facilities are overstretched,” he added.
According to him, the Municipal Health Director says the local health system is in dire need of funding for operations, including fuel, sanitation efforts, procurement of urgent medical supplies and treatment kits, and logistical support for public education and awareness campaigns.
“The Municipal Assembly has no funds to support efforts to educate the public and provide relief to those suffering in various health facilities. The central government must immediately intervene to save lives. The people are suffering,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged.
Mr. Ahiafor, who shared his sentiments, stressed that the briefing will bring clarity on the matter and calm nerves over the increasing spread.
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