Parliament approves loan to fight TB

Parliament has approved a 13,11,601.45 euro buyer-credit agreement between the government and ABN AMRO N.V Bank of the Netherlands to finance the “Accelerating Tuberculosis (TB) Case Detection” project in the country.

It has also approved a waiver of import duty and other levies totalling GH¢2,496,670 on materials and equipment to be used for the project.

The approval followed the presentation of the report of the Finance Committee of Parliament on the agreement by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr James Avedzi.

Project objectives
The project seeks to enhance TB control by reaching the World Health Organisation (WHO) target of 70 per cent detection and treatment of TB.

Mr Avedzi said the project would also boost the diagnostic capacity of the public-health system by distributing digital radiographic systems.
It would also enhance the diagnosis of non-TB cases, such as cancer and trauma.

Project components
The major components of the TB project, include the supply, installation, operation, technical support and maintenance of Diagnostic Digital X-Ray Systems.

There would be supply and installation of information technology (IT) hardware and software to support the project.

Mr Avedzi said health professionals would be trained on the use and maintenance of the X-Ray systems, IT systems and laboratory equipment.
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Source: Graphic Online