United States gives equipment to Apirede Clinic

Accra, April 21,GNA - The US Department of Defence on Thursday donated assorted medical equipment and supplies worth 52,500 dollars (48 million cedis) to the newly constructed Apirede Community Clinic in the Akwapim North District.

The items included beddings, washing basins, illuminator X-Ray films and examination table.

The Community Health Clinic, which is about to be completed, would focus on the basic health needs of the people as well as maternal and child health and HIV/AIDS education.

Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, United States Ambassador o Ghana Mrs Mary Carlin Yates said the US Department of Defence, through its European Command had supported humanitarian projects in Ghana such as the Apirede Clinic with more than 1.7 million dollars in assistance since 2001.

Mrs Yates said the donation was the initiative from the Department of Defence's Excess Property Programme to help less endowed communities.

She said: "I am happy that these items will make life better for the men, women and children of Apirede and surrounding communities." Nana Okoampah II, Chief of Apirede, who received the items on behalf of the people, said the Clinic's construction had been made possible with funds provided by the EU to complement community labour. He appealed to the Government to send qualified health personnel to run the Clinic.