MP calls for improved health facilities to fight breast cancer

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Nanton and a Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Dr Mohammed Sherif Abdul-Khaliq, has urged government to prioritise investment in health infrastructure and essential equipment to strengthen Ghana’s fight against breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Speaking at the launch of Pinktober 2025 in Accra, under the theme ‘Detect it early, treat it right, survive it,’ Dr Abdul-Khaliq revealed that the Committee has toured major hospitals nationwide and documented significant gaps in facilities and equipment.

“Our responsibility as a Committee has taken us around the major hospitals. We have seen the challenges they face in terms of infrastructure and equipment, and we are putting together a report that will be presented to the sector minister,” he said.

Dr Abdul-Khaliq noted that Ghana currently has only three radiotherapy units serving a population of more than 30 million people.

“That is woefully inadequate, especially when about 5,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually and nearly 2,000 die,” he stressed.

While acknowledging ongoing government efforts under the Agenda 111 project, Dr Abdul-Khaliq said the shortfall in cancer treatment centres means referrals remain the only option for many patients.

He, however, underscored the importance of prevention and early detection through a stronger primary healthcare system.

“The ordinary Ghanaian should not struggle or suffer when seeking healthcare. Once the primary healthcare policy comes into full effect, we will detect diseases early, treat them well, and ensure our people survive,” he stated.

The MP further pointed to initiatives such as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the Mahama Care programme as policies that could bridge financial gaps and make treatment more accessible for patients battling non-communicable diseases.

Dr Abdul-Khaliq therefore called for a holistic national strategy to improve cancer care delivery.

“As a country, we must decide right from the primary level through to regional and teaching hospitals to establish specific centres that will provide comprehensive cancer care. That is how we will change the narrative,” he added.