The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has refuted claims that the NHIA is bankrupt.
Dr. Aboagye highlighted the robust financial position of the NHIA, indicating that the authority pays out between GH₵180 million and GH₵250 million monthly.
He noted that such a level of expenditure would not be possible if the NHIA were indeed bankrupt.
Dr. Dacosta Aboagye
Speaking on the JoyNews’ AM show, he stated that. “It can never be bankrupt; a scheme paying between one-hundred-and-eighty and two-hundred-and-fifty million can never be bankrupt, but there is also the case that the Ministry of Finance should release the funds to the NHIS: once we have constant release, then we would not have problems, and it is sustainable.”
In response to host Benjamin Akakpo’s inquiry about how often the Finance Ministry releases funds for its operations, Dr. Dacosta Aboagye stated that… “I was conferred about some few weeks ago, but I think…… we are waiting for them to do the releases, but I think they will; the Minister has actually assured me that.”
The CEO of NHIA reassured the public that NHIA’s funding will remain stable despite Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the upcoming election year.
Dr. Aboagye explained that the NHIA’s resources are not contingent upon the IMF’s financial support and that the NHIS is protected under the IMF’s social protection programme.
“At the end of the day, you are paying, and I am paying, so all we know is that our father does have money, and our father should release the money. I think social protection is very important; we cannot put the vulnerable in distress, and I believe that the ministry of finances would do the needful by releasing the funds to us. I have no doubt, obviously to doubt. I do not have any doubt that they would obviously release the funds to us to make the payments.”Source: Isaac Kafui Nyanyovor
“We,the Labour Unions in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital(KATH),KAPA,GRNMA and HSWU),stand in solidarity with the CEO and Management of the hospital to continue their good works at KATH.
This statement has become necessary following recent allegations against the CEO by Lawyer Adofo,in a petition to the President’s office.
We recognize that the allegation against the CEO do not define his character and dedication to the well-being and development of the hospital.
We witness what Prof.Addae Mensah has achieved since he was appointed the CEO of KATH.We know his excellency ,the President of the Republic,has his ears on the ground and know the appointment of the CEO has positively impacted the hospital.We wish to put on record that we shall resist any attempt by any faceless individuals seeking to undermine the effort of the CEO because of their parochial interest.
We,the Labour Unions in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital(KATH),KAPA,GRNMA AND HSWU),stand in solidarity with the CEO and Management of the hospital to continue their good works at KATH.
This statement has become necessary following recent allegations against the CEO by Lawyer Adofo,in a petition to the President’s office.We recognize that the allegation against the CEO do not define his character and dedication to the well-being and development of the hospital.
We witness what Prof.Addae Mensah has achieved since he was appointed the CEO of KATH.We know his excellency ,the President of the Republic,has his ears on the ground and know the appointment of the CEO has positively impacted the hospital.We wish to put on record that we shall resist any attempt by any faceless individuals seeking to undermine the effort of the CEO because of their parochial interest.
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says the Ministry of Finance has approved a sum of one hundred and seventy-seven million Ghana cedis (GH¢177million) to be disbursed to trainee nurses across Ghana.
This is to ensure that all outstanding debt owed to the trainees are cleared by the end of this week.
Speaking at a meeting with nurses and midwives in Accra, the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer said government is committed to keeping its promises.
Dr.Bawumia
“This Thursday, the Controller is transferring GH¢177 million to the Ministry of Health to pay the nurses trainee allowances.
“So I have also alerted Dr Okoe-Boye to be on standby. When the money hits the Ministry of Health account, they should move it quickly to the accounts of the nurses trainees so that they will have their alawa. It will drop,” he assured.
The revelation comes days after the Vice President was confronted by a female final-year nursing student who said she had never received the government allowance (‘allawa’) during a campaign event in the Bono Region.
In his response, Dr Bawumia promised to take up the issue with the Ministry of Finance.
“I wasn’t sure of where you were with your ‘allawa’, but I think that I will check with the Ministry of Finance immediately after I return. And I will make sure they pay you your ‘allawa’ if it has not been paid,” he said.
The Vice President said he will ensure the continuation of the nurses’ and teacher trainees’ allowances, adding that, despite occasional delays, he would make sure that payment was made to support the trainees.
He said that steps were being taken to reduce the backlog of unemployed nurses and midwives, notably the 2020 and 2021 batches, as soon as possible.
“As the Vice President, I am dedicated to supporting the work of our nurses and midwives especially with the coming on stream of the agenda 111 state-of-the-art facilities.”
Dr Bawumia acknowledged that nurses and midwives are more than just healthcare providers, stating that “They are highly skilled professionals who provide evidence-based care to patients and families, hence their expertise, empathy, and dedication helped enhance health outcomes, lower healthcare expenses, and improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities.” Source: Myjoyonline.com
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a significant initiative aimed at assisting renal patients in need.
Starting in June, the NHIA will allocate over GH¢2 million to support patients requiring dialysis treatment.
Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, CEO of the NHIA, unveiled this initiative.
The Renal Patients Association of Ghana has voiced concerns regarding the recent hike in dialysis costs, which have surged from GH¢380 to GH¢491.
Dr. DaCosta Aboagye
This increase comes after the association previously contested a similar rise in costs earlier this year.
Members of the association fear that this latest increase will further exacerbate the financial strain on patients who are already grappling with outstanding bills.
Major Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, the association’s spokesperson, has called on philanthropic organizations to assist patients while they await Parliament’s reconvening on Friday to discuss the increase.
However, in an Eyewitness News interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM on Tuesday, Dr Aboagye stated that as part of its 20th anniversary, the Authority will assist needy renal patients requiring dialysis in major hospitals across the country, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), and Tamale Teaching Hospital.
He mentioned that they would cover two sessions for each of these patients, who total about 600, from June until the end of this year.
“Korle Bu do have a philanthropist which is helping them with ¢380 so if you deduct the ¢491 from the ¢380, the difference is ¢111…Korle Bu forms about 80% of the patients.
“So, the recommendation is that if we can support two sessions for Korle Bu at the ¢111 for almost 400 patients under our support to the needy programme on our formula whiles we pay full cost for two sessions for the other teaching hospitals that will go a long way to help.”
“…If you come to Komfo Anokye, Central Region and I think Tamale, their numbers are not that huge so what we are saying is that for them we will cover full cost for two sessions for them. So, this case ¢491,” he stated.Source:Abigail Arthur
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, says the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has improved under the Akufo-Addo administration.
In an interview with Africa Watch Magazine, Dr Bawumia hailed the health sector’s infrastructural advancements under the current government.
He mentioned the expansion of NHIS coverage to include treatments for childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients.
Dr.Bawumia
Dr Bawumia also mentioned the introduction of an NHIS app by the government, that allows Ghanaians to register and enrol using their Ghanacard.
“The NHIS is working better under our government than it used to be. Besides resourcing it financially, we have also digitized it and linked it to the Ghana card.
“So today, your NHIS number is your Ghanacard number. We have also extended NHIS coverage to include childhood cancers and hydroxyurea for sickle-cell patients. We have also introduced an NHIS app, so today people can register and get enrolled using their Ghanacard.
“They can also renew their subscription and check the list of diseases that the NHIS covers, without travelling to any NHIS office.
He stressed, “Second, to make health care easily accessible across the country, we have overseen the connection of health facilities under the Ghana Health Service to one digital platform. So far, all teaching hospitals and all regional and district hospitals have been connected and can talk to each other. The goal is to network over 90% of all hospitals in Ghana by the end of next year.”
He promised to invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.
“My government will invest in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas, to ensure equitable access to quality services. My government will also implement targeted initiatives to address healthcare disparities among vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“In addition, we will increase recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers, to address workforce shortages and improve service delivery.
“As far as the NHIS is concerned, we will enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the scheme through comprehensive reforms aimed at expanding coverage, improving revenue mobilization and reducing administrative inefficiencies.” Source:Leticia Osei
Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the acting Chief Executive of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has announced the release of an amount of one hundred and seventy million, seven hundred and seventy-five thousand and thirty-five cedis, seven pesewas (GH¢170,775,035.07) to mixed tier healthcare providers across the country.
In a press statement dated 1st May 2024, Dr. Aboagye explained that this payment covers predominantly claims of January and February 2024 for lower tier facilities who form the majority of healthcare providers and up to the November 2023 for upper tier facilities and healthcare providers.
Dr.Da-Costa Aboagye
He said “this is fulfilment of the NHIA’s mandate and ensure the continued provision of quality healthcare services to all citizens. Management of the NHIA thanks all credentialed healthcare facilities for their dedication to the well-being of our communities and wishes all workers a Happy May Day”.
The full statement reads:
“PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
The Government of Ghana through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has, yesterday 30th of April 2024, released an amount of one hundred and seventy million, seven hundred and seventy-five thousand and thirty-five cedis, seven pesewas (GH¢170, 775,035.07) to mixed tiers of healthcare providers across the country.
This payment covers predominantly claims of January and February 2024 for lower tier facilities who form the majority of healthcare providers and up to November 2023 for upper tier facilities and healthcare providers.
This is in fulfilment of the NHIA’s mandate and ensures the continued provision of quality healthcare services to all citizens.
Management of the NHIA thanks all credentialed healthcare facilities for their dedication to the well-being of our communities and wishes all workers a Happy May Day.
Payments to healthcare facilities can be verified via nhis.gov.gh/payments
Signed: Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye
Ag. Chief Executive, NHIA
Over two thousand children born with cleft lip and palate have benefited from corrective surgeries to fully integrate into society devoid of stigmatisation.
For mothers who are visiting the Cleft Clinic for the first time, the fear of the unknown as to whether such deformities in their babies could be corrected is obvious.
Anxiety could be seen in the eyes of mothers of babies with cleft lip and palate.
But that is soon to change when mothers whose children have already undergone surgeries share their experiences with them
Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO Smile Train with Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, Vice-President and Regional Director for Africa
MOTHERS
For Amina, her first thought on seeing her grandchild was for him to die, “when I saw my grandson I wished he died because I was disturbed with the deformity but when I came to here and saw other babies with severe deformities and those with their corrective surgeries performed I felt relived, she narrated.
Oh her part, Akosua Adwutwumwaa laments her child’s condition meant she had to stay indoors with him forever, “I didn’t know how I will go to public places with my son so all I kept telling myself was to stay indoors but when I was referred to KATH and the pictures of other babies I saw I knew help was in for my son and finally when the surgery was performed and I saw my child my joy knew no bounds, narrated elated Akosua
Dr Solomon Obiri Yeboah, Head Cleft Multidisciplinary Clinic KATH
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly during pregnancy.
A combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting mothers lead to the defect.
Here at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Cleft Multidisciplinary Clinic, over 5000 cases have seen with over 2000 surgeries performed within the 20 years of establishment.
It sees 35 cases every Clinic day and an annual case figure of 450.
HEAD OF KATH CLEFT UNIT
Head of the Team, Dr Solomon Obiri Yeboah says the issue of stigma is a bane they are battling with and more advocacy is needed
“We are aware of all the social stigma parents and the children go through, some are even sacked from the communities they live in, but we have social workers who go to the communities to embark on advocacy so gradually we are trying to break the stigma”
Cost of surgeries
The cost of performing the corrective surgery runs into thousands of dollars.
The Ghana Cleft Foundation and Smile Train, both NGOs have been financing the cost of the surgeries carried out at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Dr Obiri-Yeboah believes it was high time the Ministry of Health through the NHIA enrolled Cleft care on the scheme as it is done for babies with hernia
“It is expensive for these surgeries to be done, thankfully here at KATH we have donor support so all surgeries are performed free of charge”
However Dr Obiri Yeboah believes NHIA should enrol cleft care on the scheme, “just like hernia for kids are covered by NHIS, cleft care should also be enrolled so mothers in other parts of the country do not travel to KATH to benefit from the free surgeries”
To improve Cleft care in Ghana and for that matter Africa, Smile Train is financing the establishment of the first ever Cleft Leadership Centre for Africa at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
President of Smile Train Sussanah Scheafer echoed the importance of the Cleft Leadership Centre and its significance for cleft care
At Smile Train, we believe not only in financing the corrective surgeries but also capacity building of the health care professionals she noted
“This Cleft Leadership Centre here at KATH is the first on African soil and it will be a hub of excellence to have the ability to treat tougher cleft cases, capacity training for the Multidisciplinary professionals and provide avenue for more comprehensive cleft care for the patients, she disclosed.
The Cleft Leadership Centre I expected to be completed and handed over to the Ministry of Health and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital by close of 2024
A newly established policy think tank – the Liberal Institute for Policy Studies (LIPS) – has revealed that all indicators show the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has outperformed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as far as health delivery system in the Ashanti Region is concerned.
“The record of the NPP in the Ashanti Region on health infrastructural development and delivery is stronger than that of the NDC. The NDC did not complete and commission a single hospital in the region in its eight-year term when John Mahama served as a vice-president and, subsequently, a president.
“Secondly, the NDC did not complete a single hospital it inherited from any of the
previous governments in its 8 years when John Mahama served as vice-president and,
subsequently, a president.
“In contrast, the NPP has completed six out of the eight hospitals the government inherited. The NPP has completed five out of the 24 hospitals the government has initiated. The government has also completed five specialised projects.”
Dr.Keskine Owusu Poku addressing the Media
The above revelations were contained in a statement read by the Executive Director of LIPS, Dr. Keskine Owusu Poku, at a press conference to officially ‘outdoor’ the think tank and its published first research work.
The well-attended press conference was held at Yagola Hotel in Kumasi on Tuesday, 23rd April 2024.
The policy think thank provided a power point intellectual analyses of hospital infrastructural projects inherited, completed and commissioned between the NPP and the NDC for eight years period.
The executive summary of the presentation highlighted projects on health infrastructural development and delivery in the Ashanti Region.
Dr. Keskine, therefore, urged the media to focus more on developmental projects to help ensure issues-based campaign ahead of the 2024 general election.
He disclosed that before the NPP took over office, the Ashanti Region had only five ambulances but only two were functioning. But through the implementation of the ambulance programme, Ashanti Region got additional 19 ambulances.
The full text of the statement reads:
PRESS STATEMENT ON HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY IN THE ASHANTI REGION
BY THE LIBERAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES
Introduction
Good morning ladies and gentlemen from the press, fellow Directors at LIPS and all
other protocol observed.
The LIBERAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES (LIPS)
is a centre-right think tank. While we believe on conservatism, property-owning
democracy and the liberties of individuals to pursue their God given talents as away
of contributing to the betterment of society, we are not lost on the fact that the politics
of the state and policy decisions must and should shape the development of our
society. Though government policies are made at the national level, it is an
established policy logic that policies must have localised relevance. There is no
relevance in having an excellent policies on paper if they cannot and do not lead to the
provision of quality health infrastructure, good roads, enhanced security and good
governance in our communities. Hence, LIPS takes a bottom-up approach in a not-too
complicated manner that examines policy and development outputs across the various
regions of Ghana.
As we get closer to the elections 2024, many are left with the critical question as to
what should determine who wins the 2024 elections. Should it be based just on
rhetoric, manifesto, name calling or a critical examination of the development that
each party has delivered across the regions of Ghana? With the gamut of promises
that the two main parties are making ahead of the 2024 elections, it is imperative to
have a fair unbiased appreciation of the facts of their delivery in the respective regions
as a benchmark for examining competence, trust and responsiveness to the needs of
the citizenry.
Luckily, the two leaders of the main political parties have served at the high offices of
Vice President or higher in the last 8 years afforded their parties in the last 16 years.
The evidence of delivery in the respective sectors of the state by the two parties provides an important foreshadow of the level of trust we can commit to their
promises. LIPS commits to providing factual sector by sector analysis of the
performance of the two main parties across the 16 Regions of Ghana. Attention will
be paid to the Health, Educational, Road, Trade/Industry/Commerce, Energy,
Governance/Security/Local Government, among others.
Summary of work
LIPS sets the ball rolling with the health infrastructure development and delivery in
the Ashanti Region over the last 16 years.
A careful study of the hospital projects in
the Ashanti region from January 7, 2009 to April 2024 points to 41+1 hospital
projects in the Ashanti Region. All these hospitals projects were visited to ascertain
the level of work. Contractors on these project sites (ongoing) were also interviewed
to understand the status of some of the ongoing projects. Additional, government
officials and public servants with direct responsibility for the completion and
commissioning of these projects were also interviewed. Lastly, attention was also paid
to official documentation from Parliament and the Ministry of Health. In analysing
the data, we categorised the variables for analysis into 3.
⚫ First, how many hospital projects were inherited from previous regimes as at the
time of assuming office on January 07, 2009 (NDC) and January 07, 2017 (NPP).
Out of these, how many were completed? Out of the completed number, how
many are commissioned for use and actively working?
⚫ The second variable looks at the number of hospitals that were initiated within the
8 years each government was in office. How many of such hospitals were
completed and how many out of the completed hospitals have been
commissioned for use?
⚫ The last variable looks at specialised hospital projects which may have been
initiated by a government agency in the region, embedded with a hospital or
developed for a specialised function. Out of these initiated projects, how many
were completed and commissioned for use. A special case is made about the
Maternal and Child block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The project credited to the Rebecca Akufo-Addo Foundation with the support of
Corporate Ghana. That said, her connection to the current regime cannot be
underestimated.
Now we turn to the findings of the project, in the same order as the variables were
presented.
INHERITED PROJECTS
NDC did not complete any hospital project inherited from previous governments in
the Ashanti Region in their 8 years (January 07, 2009 to January 06, 2017). These
hospitals include the Bekwai hospital from the Acheampong regime, the 4 Euroget
projects from the Kufour regime (Konongo, Tepa, Sewua and Afari) and the 800 bed
KNUST Teaching Hospital. None of these hospital projects were completed from
January 07, 2009 to January 06, 2017. Hence, none was commissioned. The NDC
sought for funding for Bekwai hospital in 2010 and secured same in 2012. However,
the NDC could not finish the hospital project. On Euroget projects that started in 2008,
the NDC revisited the project in 2014. As at the time of leaving office, none was
completed.
The 800 bed KNUST Teaching Hospital was entirely abandoned in the 8
years of the NDC. Though the project started with Internally Generated Funds (IGF)
from the University, it got no support from the central government despite calls for
support from the Chancellor of KNUST, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in 2012.
In a sharp contrast, the NPP sought additional funding in 2019 to complete the agelong Bekwai district hospital and commissioned same for use in 2021. Out of the 4
Euroget projects, 3 have been completed with 2, Konongo and Tepa district hospitals,
in use. A power transmission sub-station for the Sewua Regional Hospital is almost
complete. For the hospital structure and installations, all are completed. The 500 bed
Afari Military Hospital is about 95% and work is ongoing in earnest to complete and
commission same for use. Regarding the 800 bed KNUST Teaching Hospital which
was abandoned for 8 years under the NDC, the NPP government has secured a loan of
€80 million for the continuation and completion of the project. In addition to these,
the Fomena and Kumawu District Hospitals which were inherited from the NDC have
also been completed. Fomena Hopsital is currently in use and Kumawu District
Hospital was handed over to the Assembly in the second week of April and expected
to be in use in May according to the District Chief Executive, Hon. Addai Agyekum.
HOSPITALS INITIATED BY RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS
NDC did not complete and commission any of the hospital the NDC government
initiated in the Ashanti Region from 2009 to 2016. The NDC, initiated 2 hospitals, the
Fomena and Kumawu District Hospitals, under the NMS projects in 2014. None of
these got completed. On the other hand, in the last 8 years, the NPP has initiated 24
new hospital, with 19 under the Agenda 111 and 5 under VAMED. While all 5 project
under VAMED (Sabronum, Manso Nkwanta, Suame – Anomange, Drobonso and
Twedie) are completed and handed over to government, the 19 Agenda 111 projects
are at various stages of completion.
SPECIALISED PROJECTS INITIATED
In a search for other monumental projects “within” hospitals or that supports critical
health care delivery, the Eye Centre was counted for the NDC from January 07, 2009
to January 06, 2017 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Luckily, they managed
to complete and commission it for use. On the other hand, the NPP counts 10 major
health infrastructure initiatives that support and assist in the delivery of health in the
Ashanti Region.
Specifically, the Mother and Baby Unit is the legacy of the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca
Akufo-Addo, who through her ingenuity and leadership raised funds from corporate
Ghana to build. Additionally, 5 of these specialised projects are also completed and 4
are in use. The completed ones are the Patase Police Hospital (by the Police Service),
Treatment and Quarantine Facility (Chirapatre), Comprehensive Treatment and
Quarantine Facility (Sewua), Zipline Medical Drone Delivery, 1 Constituency 1
Ambulance. It is interesting to note that before the 1 constituency 1 ambulance project
in Ashanti Region, the Region could boost of only 2 working ambulances out of 5.
Today, Ashanti Region has 48 Ambulances, out of which one is dedicated to each of
the 47 constituencies and 1 dedicated to the Kumasi Sport Stadium. The Medical
Drone Delivery Service is also helping to deliver needed medical supplies to
hinterland in the Ashanti Region.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the record of the NPP in the Ashanti Region on health infrastructure
development and delivery is stronger than that of the NDC.
The NDC did not
complete and commission a single hospital in the Ashanti Region in their 8 years
where John Mahama served as a Vice President and subsequently, a President.
Secondly, the NDC did not complete a single hospital it inherited from any of the
previous governments in its 8 years where John Mahama served as Vice President and
subsequently, a President. In contrast, the NPP has completed 6 out of the 8 hospitals
the government inherited. The NPP has completed 5 out of the 24 hospitals the
government has initiated. The government has also completed 5 specialised projects.
The 120-bed capacity Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital in the Ashanti region is finally opened for public use after a 10-year wait.
Residents are excited they can now access healthcare at the facility after contractors, NMS Infrastructure Limited, handed it over to health authorities on Monday, April 14, 2024.
Health authorities say all departments will start operations latest by ending of May ahead of official commissioning.
However, the Maternity Unit and administration will begin work at the new facility on Tuesday, April 15, 2024.
Officials of the Ministry of Health, NMS joined by officials of the District Health Directorate at the handover ceremony.
Construction works on the 120-bed capacity Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital, a turnkey project, started in 2014.
Despite the project suffering undue delays due to funding constraints and re-variations that altered construction schedules, contractors delivered a world-class-standard health facility.
The facility comes with the full complement of a district hospital, with all the departments and units one can think of.
Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine, Surgery, Traditional Medicine, and Mortuary are some of the departments at the new Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital.
An aerial view of Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital
NMS Infrastructure Limited designed, constructed and equipped the new hospital, which will serve Asante Mampong, Nsuta, Beposo, Kwamang and its environs, as well as the Afram Plains, Kumawu and Effiduase areas.
3 brand new Ambulances meant for the Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital
Deputy Director of Health Services in Charge of Administration in the Ashanti region, Micah Asare Bediako says the movement of staff and all units from the old polyclinic will follow through a relocation plan.
“We’ve had our roadmap and movement plan. We’ve discussed it extensively with management and the district health directorate so immediately this project is handed over to us, tomorrow (Tuesday, April 15, 2024) the hospital administration, and maternity wing of the polyclinic will move into this place.”
Monday’s handover ceremony marks the end of several years of waiting by residents of Sekyere Kumawu and its environs, who, until now, were forced to access healthcare from an improvised polyclinic.
Mr Bediako expressed appreciation to traditional authorities in the area, officials of the Ministry of Health and the contractors, and NMSI for the good work done despite the project suffering delays.
“We would like to thank the Ministry of Health, Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Health, the contractors; NMSI for the good work that you have done,” he said.
In appreciation of the quality of work done, he added, “Although it has taken more time to complete this project, we appreciate the work that you have done.”
Hon.Samuel Addai Agyekum.DCE for Sekyere Kumawu
The handover ceremony and subsequent opening of the facility comes at a time when health authorities are battling the maternal mortality rate, which stands at 125 per 100,000 live births.
An elated Medical Superintendent of the Kumawu Polyclinic, Dr. Alex Agbanu, says residents have likened the new district hospital to a hotel due to its state-of-the-art installations.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for a very long time and I’m happy today, all of us have seen what we are seeing.”
“People come here and they wonder; is it a hospital or a hotel?”
Dr. Agbanu is hopeful the newly constructed facility will contribute to the health authority’s fight against maternal mortality cases in the area.
“The maternal mortality issues have not been too different from what pertains nationally and even in the region. Because we do not have the necessary equipment, what happens is sometimes we do refer some of the cases we don’t have the capacity to manage.”
“I think with this new facility and all the equipment it has and the personnel that are coming in, we would be able to manage most of the cases.” Dr.Agbanu added.
Among those who have heaved a sigh of relief are the staff of the Infrastructure Directorate of the Ministry of Health.Their unrelenting efforts have paid off as the hospital is operationalized.
Head of Capital Investment and Project Management Unit, Ministry of Health, Kwame Amponsah Sarfo who was once summoned to appear before traditional authorities told JoyNews, “I am full of relief and I believe everybody, including, my director is relieved,” he said.
“Why do I say so, because at some point, we were summoned to the Chief’s palace to answer questions on why the project was not moving on and so for it to have come to fruition, it’s all good for us” He explained.
Meanwhile, the Director of NMS Infrastructure Limited, Stephen Bush, says his company is poised to deliver more world-class health infrastructure projects in Ghana.
NMS Infrastructure has received praise for delivering British-standard facilities at Dodowa in the Greater region, Adansi North Hospital at Fomena with Sekyere Kumasi District Hospital being the latest addition.
“We hope to continue with the health programme here. The original idea was to be here for a long time.”
