AngloGold signs MOU with government to provide health care

Obuasi, Dec. 23, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) and the Obuasi Government Hospital (OGH), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the effect that AGA would support the hospital to provide 24-hour quality health care services in the Obuasi Municipality. To fulfil one of the objectives of the MoU, AngloGold Ashanti presented a cheque for GH¢9,600 to the OGH for the payment of rent for two medical officers for a two-year period.

Dr E.C. Augustt, the Medical Services Manager of AGA and Dr Nana Kwaku Duah, the acting Medical Superintendent of OGH initialled for their institutions.

Under the agreement, AngloGold Ashanti also would extend a grant to the OGH upon terms and conditions satisfactory to both parties. The objectives of the MoU are to assist patients from the community to access health services at the OGH and to provide assistance to improve its capacity by providing a viable medical facility for non-AGA community members.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Augustt said AGA had a long term relations with the OGH and the expectation was to get "this relationship to continue and get strengthened. "We have initiated a project where AGA will give assistance to enable the Government Hospital take good care of the public". Dr Augustt said one of the challenges facing the OGH was lack of medical officers because of accommodation problems and that was why AGA wanted to assist with the rent for doctors.

Mr Aboagye Ohene Adu, the Community and Social Development Manager of AGA, said the company drew its employees from the community and that it was the concern of AGA to leave the community in a better state.

"We want you to provide a 24-hour health care services so that the community will have access to good health care", he stressed. Dr Duah of OGH also touched the lack of medical officers at the hospital saying "I am the only doctor around doing consulting services and administration". He said the assistance from AGA was a laudable one, which would help in minimizing the referral cases.