Open an isolation centre in the Upper East Region - NDC Chairman calls on government

Correspondence from Upper East:

The Navrongo central constituency chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anontara Richard has called on government to open an isolation centre in the region to handle the cases of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Mr. Anontara, who believes in the potential of the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC) to conduct tests on suspected cases of the COVID-19, has also called on the government to expedite the decision to make the centre a hub for running such crucial tests.

Speaking exclusively to Our Upper East Regional Correspondent, Senyalah Castro, after he led party executives to present some Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other supplies to the War Memorial Hospital (WMH) on behalf of the Parliamentary candidate, Sampson Tangombu Chiragia on Tuesday to strengthen the preparedness of the facility against the pandemic, Mr. Anontara stressed it was needless flying samples to Accra and Kumasi for test when government could support the NHRC to perform same tests with perfection.

“The government should open an isolation centre in the region and use the Navrongo Health Research Centre as a point for testing for Covid-19 suspected cases. It’s needless to send samples taken here to Accra or Kumasi when the research centre can do well in that”.

“So I urge that government should support them (the research centre) with the needed resources and quickly give them (the research centre) the go ahead to begin testing for covid19. I think that will be better and fast in combating the disease,” he stressed.

Mr. Anontara further urged government to provide adequate PPEs to satisfy the need of health facilities in the country, noting that it would prepare the facilities and staff well to deal with cases of the pandemic.

Mr. Anontara praised Former President Mahama for the investments he made in the health sector which has led to the construction and expansion of several hospitals in the country and are currently been used in the fight against COVID-19.

“We do not know how to bring people back to life but we do know how to help sustain people’s life. It is based on this that, His excellency President John Dramani Mahama invested heavily in providing robust health facilities across the country; notably among others are the Ridge hospital, State of the art University of Ghana health facility, the Bank of Ghana hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Upper West regional hospital, upgrading of the Upper East regional hospital. To ensure quality health care for all, His Excellency President Mahama extended health care delivery to every person by constructing CHIPS compounds and health centers in various communities in the country,” he touted.

Urging all to join forces to collectively fight the pandemic, the chairman called for non-politicization of the fight against the disease. He said, “Non- politicization is the answer to fighting and winning this crucial current pandemic of our time.”

The donation

Mr. Anontara on behalf of the Parliamentary candidate donated 48 pieces of tissue paper, 250 pieces of face masks, 1,000 pieces of gloves and ten boxes of syringes and needles to the hospital.

The other items are 10 packs of mineral water, 10 gallons of liquid soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cotton and six ‘Veronica Buckets’.

He said the donation, which was in response to a call by the Paramount Chief, “is to support our hardworking staff of our hospital who are working day and night to provide quality health care to our people”.

“The NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Navrongo Central, Sampson Tangombu Chiragia has rolled out several programs to curtail the novel Coronavirus in the constituency. He has organized radio programs to educate the people on basic hygienic practices, donated several veronica buckets to various youth groups within the constituency, and extended the donations to the outskirts of our constituency. He also spearheaded a sensitization program using professional health workers in various parts of our markets”.

Mr. Bentie Abubakari, the Hospital Administrator, who received the items on behalf of management praised the kind gesture of the Parliamentary candidate and constituency party leadership. He assured that the hospital would put the items to judicious use to achieve the intended purpose.

The Navro-Pio, P3 Denis Asagpaare Balinia Adda ll, who was present with his Elders to witness the donation, profusely thanked Sampson Tangombu Chiragia for responding to his calls for help for health facilities in his Traditional Area. He was hopeful others would imitate his kindness and reach out to support the health directorate overcome this difficult time.