Tema, July 18, GNA -- The Minister of Health, Major (Rtd) Courage Quarshigah on Tuesday toured the Mercy Ship, M/V Anastasis which has docked at the Tema Port to offer medical services in the country. He was accompanied by his Deputy Minister, Dr (Mrs) Gladys Ashietey, the Tema Municipal Chief Executive, Mr David Quaye Annang and some officials from the Ministry.

In a presentation before the tour, Dr Glenn Strauss, Vice President for health care services with the Mercy Ships said their mission was to partner with the government to provide hope and healing to the forgotten poor.

He said Mercy Ship represents the nature and character of a loving God and hoped the simple tools at the disposal could be used to make life comfortable for the poor.

He outlined their programmes and projects as health care services, educational programmes, community development services as well as church relations and pastoral programmes to empower the local church through conferences and workshops.

Dr Strauss mentioned some of the health care services they would be providing as ophthalmic surgery, reconstructive surgeries, vaginal vesico Fistula surgery, to reduce the prevalence of injuries though birth among women. They would also offer general surgery as well as dental clinic to improve oral health in the country.

Under the community development services, he mentioned the construction of a maternity block at Tema Poly clinic, a youth centre at Ashaiman to reduce the incidence of HIV and other STDs among the youth and in partnership with the Ghana Water Company to construct 26 boreholes in deprived communities to help improve access to improved sanitation facilities.

The Health Minister expressed his appreciation to the crew for the sacrificial work and urged Ghanaians to exhibit the culture of maintenance to make sure the facilities they would establish last for long.

He advised on the need for Ghanaians to do whatever they are doing effectively as 'if you are worshiping God and this country will change.' He however reminded Ghanaians on the need to make health their responsibility by eating healthy foods and living a healthy life. The M/V Anastasis, which docked last month would be in the country till February 2007. This is its third visit to the country. 18 July 06