Dr. Okoe Boye speaking to the media
In a move to strengthen child healthcare in the country, the government of Ghana has committed significant resources to constructing several facilities across the country, including a state-of-the-art children's hospital at Weija. This development comes amidst growing concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Princess Marie Louise Hospital, the capital's only public children's hospital.
The new 120-bed facility, funded by the World Bank at $9 million, is already 65% complete, according to Joseph Adams, the contractor from Awerco Construction Limited. He informed Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye that they are on track to meet the September completion deadline.
The hospital will feature an emergency unit, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, recovery wards, three theaters, VIP wards, imaging and biomedical laboratories, an outpatient department (OPD), and a mother's hotel. The completion of this hospital is expected to alleviate the pressure on the Princess Marie Louise Hospital, facilitating essential future renovation works for the aging facility.
Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye commended the contractors for their progress and urged them to adhere to the timelines. He also encouraged them to employ skilled locals from the community to support the local economy.
Addressing the media, the minister stated, "This project underscores the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration's commitment to enhancing pediatric care in Ghana. Once operational, this new hospital will significantly improve healthcare delivery for children in Accra and beyond."
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the government to enhance healthcare infrastructure nationwide, with a special focus on child health. In Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, significant progress is also being made on the 500-unit Maternity and Children's Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The new block aims to replace the 45-year-old structure that was deemed structurally unsound and subsequently demolished. This project was revitalized through collaboration between the First Lady's office, the Manhyia Palace, and the Multimedia Group, resulting in the construction of a Mother and Baby Unit to address immediate congestion issues at KATH.
Further demonstrating the government's commitment to child health, in November 2021, childhood cancers were added to the coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme. This policy includes the diagnosis and treatment of four major childhood cancers: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, Retinoblastoma, and Wilms Tumor. These cancers, which account for approximately 60% of all childhood cancers, are highly treatable if detected early.
Additionally, a 40-bed Pediatric Oncology block is under construction for the children's unit at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. This modern facility, developed in partnership with private sector entities, aims to significantly enhance healthcare delivery for the country's future generations. The new Mother and Child Centre, a centenary project of Korle Bu, set to replace the dilapidated Maternity block, promises to revolutionize maternity healthcare delivery at Ghana’s premier health facility.
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, during a recent visit, expressed optimism about the ongoing projects and their potential impact on healthcare delivery in the country. "We are committed to ensuring that every child in Ghana has access to the best possible healthcare," he emphasized.
Highlighting the need for specialist hospitals, the Health Minister underscored Ghana's priority to develop such facilities. "Moving forward as a country, we must prioritize specialist hospitals like children's hospitals to improve care, encourage specialized medical practice, and alleviate congestion among other challenges," Dr. Boye stated.
He emphasized that these facilities are crucial for delivering tailored healthcare services, promoting specialization among medical professionals, and easing overcrowding in general hospitals. This strategic focus, he noted, will enhance the overall healthcare delivery system and ensure that the nation's youngest citizens receive the highest standard of medical attention.
As Ghana continues to advance in healthcare infrastructure and policy, the new children's hospital at Weija stands as a testament to the government's unwavering dedication to the well-being of its children.
