The Global Mercy Ship, the largest civilian hospital ship globally, is collaborating with the government to reduce deaths attributed to a lack of surgical care, especially among vulnerable populations.
Approximately five billion people worldwide lack access to safe and affordable surgical care, leading to at least 17 million deaths annually, with a significant impact on low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana.
Through this partnership between the Government of Ghana and the Global Mercy Ship, many vulnerable individuals will receive free medical and surgical services, including general surgery, reconstructive plastics surgery, ophthalmic surgery, women’s health surgery, maxillofacial surgery, ear-nose-throat surgeries, and pediatric orthopedic surgery.
The ship will remain in Ghana for about ten months, aiming to reduce the surgical backlog and provide surgical services to underserved populations, especially those in remote areas.
Additionally, patients in leprosariums with post-leprosy contractures who meet the surgery criteria will benefit from plastic surgeries.
An advanced team from Global Mercy Ships, led by Vice President-International Michelle Bullington, is already in the country and collaborating with officials from the Ghana Health Service.
During a meeting with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the government expressed its support for this initiative, which also aims to enhance the capacity of medical and surgical specialists in Ghana.
At the end of the program, a 250-bed rehabilitative center will be handed over to the country to accommodate patients who receive surgical and medical services.
The Ghana Health Service has assured its full support for the program, emphasizing its potential to enhance healthcare delivery in the country. Director of Healthcare Promotions Dr. Dacosta Aboagye stated, “This is an important program we are proud to receive. The necessary steps are in place to ensure the country reaps full benefit.”