The Africa Center for Health Policy is challenging the government to make public, the source of funding for the completion of 88 district hospitals it hopes to build under the Agenda 111 project.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta during his presentation of the mid-year budget review in Parliament on Thursday, said the second phase of 88 hospitals is expected to commence in three weeks following the successful completion of initial processes.

But speaking to Citi News, Executive Director of the Africa Center for Health Policy, Ahmed Farhan welcomed the latest development but charged the government to make known the funding that will be used for the second phase of the project.

“Not being able to finance the project from start to finish without any interruption has been one of the challenges we have had in the past till now. It’s fine that that phase one is completed, but now we are not sure if we are able to access funding for these projects. What are the cost implications; we should be able to be sure of how much we are going to use to build the hospital.”

“The modalities have not been spelt out yet but there are budgetary allocations that have been made but by and large, it is a good policy that we have 88 district hospitals across the country. But there should be earmarked funds and also the cost of the second phase. If we have that, it will be perfect,” he appealed.
The government’s ambitious project to construct a number of hospitals referred to as ‘Agenda 111’ is set to commence in August 2021.

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has disclosed that the government has decided to execute the initiative in two phases with the first phase, being the processes completed.

The second phase, which he says involves the construction of 88 district hospitals is expected to commence on August 17, 2021.

“Mr. Speaker, government and the project coordinating team have worked tirelessly on phase one, and I am happy to report that pre-contract works have now been completed for 88 sites for the district hospitals. Mr. Speaker, we expect to commence phase two (construction to begin) three weeks from now, from 17th August 2021,” the Minister announced.

Phase one involved the engagement of relevant consultants, survey and inspection of the proposed sites, feasibility studies, geotechnical studies, concept drawing, preparation of detailed drawings, BOQ’s, specifications, contract documents, processing of the necessary permits and documentation and others.

Ken Ofori-Atta mentioned that the government has already engaged over 20 local consulting firms through a lead project consultant to provide architectural, engineering designs, and project management support towards the execution of the project.

As part of measures to tackle the ravaging health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is seeking to construct 101 standard district hospitals with accommodation for doctors and nurses, six new regional hospitals in the six new regions, and one regional hospital for the Western Region.

The project will also see to the rehabilitation of Effia-Nkwanta Hospital in the Western Region, construction of two new psychiatric hospitals and a new Accra Psychiatric hospital.