GSA signs MoU with Hospitals for specimen analysis

The Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the various Regional Hospitals in the country to provide them with histopathology services.

Histopathology is the study of diseases in tissues of human beings.

According to the MoU, the GSA would supply the hospitals with containers to collect surgical specimen and tissue of patients for the Authority to conduct the surgical analysis.

Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa, a Former Director General of the Ghana Health Service and a Consultant at the GSA, disclosed at a day’s interactive forum on histopathology at Abesim, near Sunyani.

The GSA organised the forum which was attended by some District Hospital Administrators, Accountants and Medical Superintendents in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

Prof Akosa, a renowned Pathologist, noted that though Ghana had about 16 Pathologists, histopathology services at the three leading hospitals in the country remained poor.

According to him, delays in surgical specimen and tissue analysis at the Korle-bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals, and the 37 Military Hospital had compelled many patients to always send their specimen to South Africa for examination.

Prof Akosa said this has made it necessary for the GSA to collaborate with the various Regional Hospitals in the country to provide immediate services to patients.

He explained the cost of service delivery was subjected to review and assured that the safety and confidentiality of patients were always guaranteed.

Mr. Charles Darko, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Officer of the GSA, explained that the forum aimed at sensitising the participants on the operations and activities of the Authority.