Agenda 111: The biggest investment in health infrastructure in Ghana

 

What is Agenda 111

Agenda 111 is a flagship agenda of President Akufo-Addo to build 111 hospitals across the country. 

The project includes 101 District Hospitals, six (6) Regional Hospital in the newly created regions, one (1) new Regional Hospital in the Western Region, two (2) Psychiatric Hospitals in Kumasi and Tamale, and the redevelopment of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital. 

The objective of Agenda 111 is to ensure that every district and region has a hospital.

Is Agenda 111 different from Agenda 88

No! Following the outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2021, many districts, especially those without hospitals, were severely impacted, prompting the government to establish hospitals in all districts without hospitals.

President Akufo-Addo, in his eighth address to the nation, disclosed that his government has decided to undertake the largest investment in Ghana's healthcare infrastructure, by constructing 88 hospitals in districts without hospitals, giving regional breakdowns as follows: Ashanti (10), Volta (9), Eastern (8), Greater Accra (7), Upper East (7), Oti (5), Upper West (5), Bono (5), Western North (5), Savannah (3), Bono East (2), and North East (2).

In essence, the project was initially Agenda 88 When the project was first announced, it only included 88 health facilities. However, by the time of implementation, thirteen (13) district hospitals were added, bringing the number to 101. Then Six (6) Regional Hospitals in the newly created regions, Two (2) Specialized Hospitals in the Middle and Northern belt, a Regional Hospital in the Northern region and the renovation of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital were added to make 111, hence Agenda 111.

Is there funding for Agenda 111 projects

Prior to the implementation of Agenda 111, In 2020, GH￠600 million, the equivalent of $100 million, was released to the Health Infrastructure Account at Bank of Ghana (BOG) and will be disbursed to contractors in accordance with the project work plan to support the implementation of the District and Regional Hospital Projects.  

The Project Implementation Committee, chaired by Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, had secured sites and land titles for 88 out of the 101 district hospitals and each unit will cost $16.88 million, with $12.88 million being used for the construction of the hospitals and $4 million for medical equipment. Each hospital is expected to be completed within 12 months, starting from the point of commencement.

Paragraph 400 of the 2021 Mid-year Budget Review states that the project is expected to be implemented in two phases: 

• Phase 1: Pre-Contract Works; and
• Phase 2: Construction and Execution of projects.

What are the facilities in Agenda 111 hospitals

Facilities to be provided include; Out-Patient-Department (OPD), Maternity, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Units, Accident and Emergency Units, Male, Female, Paediatric and Isolation Units.

The rest are; Ophthalmology, Dental, Physiotherapy and Imaging Units, as well as Surgical and Consultation Units.

Provision is also being made for support facilities such as kitchen, laundry, sterilization and energy centres, with plans to construct a mortuary, staff accommodation for doctors, nurses and other health workers.

How many people will be employed when the project is completed

The projects would provide about 25,000 jobs for people in the course of construction of the hospitals and an additional 20,000 health professionals including; medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists, are billed to be employed to work in the health facilities when completed.

When did the project commence

President Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the commencement of Agenda 111 on Tuesday 17th August, 2021 at Trede in the Atwima Kwanwoma District in the Ashanti Region.

The projects are due for completion within 12 months from the dates of the commencement of the various projects