Former Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tamale South constituency, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for Parliament’s medical facility to be made free and accessible to both current and former MPs.
His comments come amidst concerns raised about the poor conditions of service for MPs, juxtaposed with public criticism of the political class enjoying better privileges than ordinary citizens.
Addressing the issue on the floor of the House, Haruna Iddrisu echoed the sentiments expressed by the MP for Asawase, Muntaka Mohammed.
He highlighted the need to improve the quality of life for former MPs, beyond the ex gratia payments they receive.
Iddrisu recounted the tragic story of a former MP who was unable to afford GHC12,000 for surgery and subsequently passed away.
He revealed that Professor Mike Oquaye, as the chairman of the board, had pleaded to assist the former MP with the required funds, with Iddrisu himself being asked to contribute half of the amount.
Tragically, despite efforts to raise the necessary funds, the former MP passed away within a week due to the inability to afford the surgery.
Iddrisu emphasized the urgent need to provide better support and healthcare for former MPs, suggesting that Parliament’s medical facility should be open and free to them.
He underscored the dire situation faced by former MPs, noting that even with ex gratia payments, they struggle to afford quality healthcare for themselves and their families.
Iddrisu’s remarks shed light on the challenges faced by former MPs and the need for improved support systems to ensure their well-being beyond their tenure in Parliament.