The Ministry of Health officially handed over five completed health facilities in the Eastern Region to the Ghana Health Service today.
The ceremony, which was attended by key dignitaries, marked an important step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility in the region.
Former Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman Manu under the elsewhile Akufo-Addo administration broke ground for these hospital projects in 2020, which were undertaken by VAMED Engineering GmbH of Austria.
The construction and equipping of these 40-bed hospitals, which also include 12 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached accommodation for hospital workers at each facility.
Aside from residential accommodation for the staff, the hospitals are equipped with an Out-Patient Department with consulting rooms, a Public Health Department with a 36-seater waiting room, three ante-natal consulting rooms, a counseling room, and two offices for Public Health Officers.
These new health facilities are expected to serve as critical resources for the communities, ensuring better health outcomes for residents.
During the event, Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, the Chief of Adukrom and Akuapim Nifahene, delivered a powerful speech, urging health professionals to treat their patients with the utmost empathy and care.
He emphasized the significance of a customer-centered approach to healthcare, stressing that patients should always feel valued and understood in the healthcare system.
This message was met with resounding applause, as it highlighted the core values needed to improve healthcare delivery.
Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Regional Minister for the Eastern Region, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the chiefs, and the community members who had worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. She encouraged the chiefs and residents to take pride in the facilities and ensure they were well-maintained for future generations.
Her remarks underscored the importance of community involvement in sustaining healthcare infrastructure.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, was also present at the ceremony.
He received the keys to the newly constructed facilities from the Regional Minister and promptly handed them over to the Regional Director of the Service.
In his speech, Prof. Akoriyea encouraged the healthcare workers to prioritize the survival and well-being of women and children within the community.
He urged them to offer quality healthcare services and work diligently to meet the needs of the people they serve.
Mr. Ben Nkasnsah, the Director of Infrastructure at the Ministry of Health, also played a crucial role in the event. He handed over the keys to the Regional Minister on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Health and advised the traditional leaders to ensure all necessary documentation for the facilities was completed. His message highlighted the importance of proper administrative procedures in securing and maintaining healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, he urged hospital management to maintain the buildings and equipment in excellent condition.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic handing-over ceremony held at the Okere District Hospital.
This 40-bed facility is equipped with all the necessary departments required for the operation of a district hospital, and it will be a key healthcare hub for the surrounding communities. The facility promises to improve healthcare delivery in the Okere District, providing access to essential services for many people.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a collective sense of optimism for the future of healthcare in the Eastern Region.
The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, traditional leaders, and the local communities ensured the successful completion of the health facilities.
The residents are now encouraged to take ownership of the facilities and support their ongoing maintenance to ensure that they continue to serve the needs of the community for years to come.
