Multi-purpose Physiotheraphy Centre for Korle-Bu

THE Health Minister, Dr Richard Winfred Anane yesterday commissioned a multi-purpose Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

The centre has a gymnasium, hydrotherapy, emergency unit, a special swimming pool, among other facilities.

The Korle-Bu centre is the first to be provided under a National Physiotherapy Project initiated by the government, in collaboration with the Dutch Government.

It has been programmed under the project that by the end of 2002, 16 hospitals will be equipped with modern facilities for physiotherapy.

The $5.1 million project is being funded with 35 per cent grant from the Dutch Government and 65 per cent loan contracted by the government under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) criteria.

Dr Anane reiterated government’s determination to revamp the health infrastructure and develop a human resource base to improve the health status of the people.

He said the fact that diseases of the cardio -vascular system, respiratory systems, muscle and joints are among the top 10 causes of outpatients’ attendance and hospital admissions calls for prompt action to improve physiotherapy services, which are virtually non-existent.

Dr Anane said it is to reverse this trend that the centres are being equipped to meet international standards as well as for the training of physiotherapists and technicians. Service and maintenance programmes are also in the offing.

He said currently, 15 students are undergoing a three-year course in Amsterdam, adding that continuous in-service training for personnel has also been initiated.

The minister expressed government’s gratitude to the Netherlands Embassy for its support and urged staff of the unit to ensure that facilities at the centre are well maintained.

The Health and Gender Development Advisor of the Dutch Embassy, Mr Jan van de Horst attributed the success of the project to the strong partnership between the embassy and the Ghana Government.