On day two of his working visit to the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye paid a courtesy call to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to update him on the progress of hospitals and his itinerary in the region.
He assured the Asantehene that the new Ashanti Regional Hospital in Sewua, Bosomtwe District, would be ready for its commissioning in September 2024.
Subsequently, he proceeded to inspect the 40-bed Suame District Hospital to assess the progress of the facility and identify potential challenges it may face upon commissioning.
William Bawah, the site manager of the facility, highlighted several challenges, including land documentation issues, inadequate accommodation, and the road network leading to the hospital.
The Health Minister and his entourage continued their tour at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where they visited the Accident and Emergency Centre, the physiotherapy department, and the maternity block.
Welcoming the Health Minister, the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, briefed the minister on the pressure on the facility and staff, which is naturally affecting the quality of healthcare delivery.
He highlighted the primary challenges facing the facility, which include a lack of heavy medical equipment and the breakdown of some machines in the oncology directorate.
"I am sure that if the facilities in Sewua and Afari are completed, the pressure on Komfo Anokye will decrease," he affirmed.
Bernard Okoe Boye, in his address, assured the management of KATH that he would work swiftly with his team to ensure these challenges are resolved.
He further commended the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, for building a Mother-and-Child Unit for the hospital.
The Minister also took the opportunity to survey the ongoing construction of the 500-bed Maternity and Children's block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
He expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project and assured that the management of the Ministry would work tirelessly to bring this beautiful edifice to completion.
AM/GA
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