The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday observed that the health sector witnessed significant strides in infrastructural development, maternal and child health services under late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills’s tenure of office.

Mr. Alban S.K. Bagbin, Sector Minister said the developmental projects affected the Tamale, Komfo Anokye and Korle Bu Teaching hospitals, five polyclinics in the Northern Region, five more in the Upper West and New Post basic Midwifery Training Institutions across the country.

Mr. Bagbin said for example, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital the number of physicians has increased tremendously and life expectancy had also shot up to 64 from 54.

The Minister made the observation at a solemn service held in memory of the late head of state at the Ministry’s forecourt in Accra. The staff, dressed in red and black danced to gospel tunes provided by the New Vision Band after observing a minute silent for Prof. Mills.

Dr Sylvester Anemana, Chief Director of MOH and Dr Frank Nyonator, Acting Director General of Ghana Health Service read the first and second bible readings.

According to Mr. Bagbin, the late President also played a vital role in the acquisition of an external grant of 75 million Euros in support of maternal and infant health in the country.

“Late president Mills passion to reduce maternal and child mortality did not only manifest in the country but at international fora and he supported the provisions of Emergency Obstetric and New Born care equipment and other supplies.

Maternal Mortality is slowly but surely declining and currently nearly seven out of 10 deliveries are occurring in health facilities.”

Mr. Bagbin said Prof. Mills was one of the nations servants that many Ghanaians were not expecting him to pass away so sudden and silently.

The sector Minister who described professor Mills as a man of modesty and peace added “no doubt he died peacefully.

“He was also caring, principled and a dedicated leader, who made lasting contributions towards the advancement of economic development and good governance in the country,” he added.

Mr. Bagbin noted that Prof. Mills was also a distinguished statesman, an agent of change and an embodiment of integrity and humility, adding that, he had a large heart and an extra ordinary temperament and rarely showed emotions even under most trying circumstances.

In a sermon, Pastor Herman Dusu, Financial Controller, MOH told the staff that life was short but death was certain as such they should learn to forgive one another.

Pastor Dusu also entreated the staff to conduct their ways well as there would be a day for accountability by their maker.

“Don’t lead your life as if you are going to live here permanently rather conduct your ways which would please God,” he admonished them.

According to him, Prof. Mills was lambasted by some people in the media that he was not doing anything for the country, yet “he prayed that God should forgive them.”

He asked Ghanaians not to weep for the late President but praise God for his life and try to emulate the great leader by making peace with all men.**