The Minister Designate for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has proposed the implementation of a “Medical Week” during every parliamentary meeting.
This initiative aims to conduct thorough health screenings for MPs, categorizing their health statuses into Red, Gold, and Green groups to identify those at risk and provide specialized care.
Dr. Okoe Boye, a former MP for the Ledzokuku Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, presented his suggestion before the Appointments Committee during his vetting process. Concerned about the well-being of legislators, he emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent sudden deaths related to the demanding nature of parliamentary duties.
The proposed Medical Week would not only address current MPs but extend its benefits to former legislators. Dr. Okoe Boye highlighted the financial constraints faced by former MPs in accessing healthcare and recommended the issuance of a special card, granting them access to both primary and tertiary hospital facilities. The costs incurred would then be submitted to Parliament for coverage.
“Mr. Chairman, former MPs should be given this privilege until their untimely death, and Parliament can do this; it’s a matter of making sure that the privilege is not abused,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this healthcare support for former parliamentarians.
During the vetting process, the Appointments Committee also questioned Hon. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, the Minister Designate for the Greater Accra Region.
He assured the committee of his commitment to continuing the work initiated by his predecessors, particularly in maintaining a clean city.
Titus-Glover expressed his dedication to overseeing inspections of cooking places for roadside food vendors, underlining the regional responsibility to uphold hygiene standards.
As these discussions unfold, the proposed Medical Week initiative emerges as a potential step toward prioritizing the health and well-being of Members of Parliament, both current and former, recognizing their invaluable service to the nation.
