US volunteer medical team in to help boost health care in C/R

Cape Coast, July 30, GNA- A 20-member International Health Care Volunteer team from the United States led by Dr (Mrs) Charlette Ayers Aikins, on Sunday arrived in Cape Coast to offer assistance in health care delivery at the Central Regional hospital.

The volunteers, comprising 15 physicians, two anaesthetists, two nurses and a junior volunteer would be in the central region for two weeks.

During a courtesy call at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), Dr Aikins, told the Chief Director at the RCC, Mr Michael Essandoh, that a total of 34 volunteers including three Ghanaians are in the country and that 14 of them are currently in the Ashanti region. She said this is the sixth visit to the country and that last year, during a similar visit to the region, it performed 52 surgeries and treated 963 other patients.

The Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Aaron Offei, who accompanied the team, said they are not here only to treat patients, but also to collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts in the region and exchange ideas.

He explained that the members of the team would be taken to hospitals and health centres where their services would be most needed, stressing that, a greater number of them would be at the regional hospital because of the availability of equipment for their work. Dr Offei urged the RCC to continue supporting the team so as to encourage them to give of their best.

Mr Essandoh said the people of the region cherished the work of the team and commended them for their concern for the health of the people and assured them of the RCC's support.

He urged them to endeavour to find time to participate in the on-going PANAFEST/Emancipation Day celebrations.