Coronavirus: 50-bed isolation and treatment center commissioned at Atua Hospital

A new COVID isolation and treatment facility at the Atua Government Hospital in the Eastern Region, was commissioned on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 by the Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Daffuor.

Authorities of the hospital say they had converted the male ward of the hospital to an isolation and treatment centre for COVID-19 patients as part of its efforts to support the fight against the disease.

The center is expected to serve as reference point for all confirmed cases of the virus in Lower Manya Krobo and surrounding districts including Yilo Krobo and Asuogyaman Districts.

Mr. Daffuor who expressed satisfaction at the facility, commended authorities of the hospital for establishing the center, adding that it met the needed standards and requirements.

Speaking at a short ceremony before commissioning the facility, the Regional Minister said the establishment of the facility was in line with President Akufo-Addo’s passionate appeal to every district to have an isolation and treatment facility in its locality.

This, he added, was in realisation the President’s vision to boost the healthcare system to withstand the COVID-19 and any future shocks.

The facility can currently cater for 50 beds for patients with mild, moderate illnesses and critical cases according to Dr. Adams Mahami, Medical Superintendent- in-charge of the Atua Government Hospital.

He said patients with severe cases would be referred to the Hospital’s special isolation ward and be catered for there.

The Medical Superintendent said once patients are diagnosed with positive COVID-19, they will be moved to the isolation center and referred to a special section while patients with moderate illnesses will be kept in cubicles, which is also set up within the center.

On her part, Dr Alberta Bretwum-Nyarko, Eastern Regional Director of Ghana Health Services commended the efforts of the management of the Atua Government Hospital for establishing the treatment centre and appealed to the public to assist them with beds.

She however called on all to stop stigmatization of COVID-19 patients since the act won’t help the war against the global canker.

Municipal Chief Executive for Lower Manya Krobo, Simon Kweku Tetteh, recalled the challenges the municipality faced in isolating infected cases when the pandemic first broke out in the municipal and expressed relief at the establishment of the facility.

He promised that a borehole will soon be established at the center to supply it with regular water.