E/R: Bats invade Clinics, CHPS threatening health delivery

Health delivery at the Anyaboni Clinic in the Upper Manya Krobo district of the Eastern region is gradually grinding to a halt due to an invasion of the facility by bats.

The bats, according to Kasapa News’ Kojo Ansah, have almost taken over the entire Clinic, obstructing health delivery.

The mammals have destroyed the ceiling of the clinic, where they assemble while emitting a shrill sound and a bad stench.

The patients on admission are unable to put up with the situation at the facility.

A nurse at the facility, Madjitey Samuel told Kojo Ansah health services are halted at night due to obstruction by the animals.

“Our biggest challenge now is the bats, they have taken over the facility. Their odour is not pleasant at all to we the nurses and patients. During the nights when we have emergency cases and the bats are about to go out, you have to wait outside for several minutes before you can come in, it delays health delivery.

“For the past five months that they invaded here, they have been increasing in number, actually they have taken over the facility and anything they get close to, they destroy it so we need emergency intervention ” he narrated.

The Assembly Member for Anyaboni resettlement/Aflamase Electoral area, Emmanuel Kwasi Laweh said the Clinic is in a deplorable state and needs urgent renovation.

He said the Anyaboni clinic is very important to the farmers and fishermen in the area. He explained that it serves several remote villages around the catchment area with a total population of about 1000, hence the need for government to come to the aid of the Clinic.

He noted that the invasion of the bats is collapsing health delivery at the clinic.

“The clinic is in crises now; when patients enter, bats begin to slap them, bats are slapping nurses in the evening, so now the patients are reluctant to come to the clinic due to the uncomfortable condition here.”



Some health facilities in Affram Plains South District such as Dim Sakabo health centre, Forifori health centre, Foso CHPS Compound, Kwame Dwamena CHPS compound, Agyatta CHPS compound among others are facing a similar situation to that of Anyaboni.