The Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, has emphasized the need for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, under the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to be given a mandate to continue its transformative investments in Ghana's health sector.
This call was made during the commissioning of the newly completed Bolgatanga Regional Hospital in the Upper East Region on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye highlighted the government's achievements in revamping and expanding healthcare infrastructure across the nation, with the Bolgatanga project standing as a testament to this commitment.
"With the commissioning of this hospital, we reinforce the Government's dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring Universal Health Coverage," he said.
He further explained that bringing primary healthcare services closer to communities and individuals remains a key priority of the NPP government.
“Despite initial funding challenges, the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital has seen the completion of Phase III, thanks to a $20 million funding boost from the Saudi Fund for Development. The project now includes essential facilities such as a central sterile supply department, mortuary block, mothers' hostel, staff accommodation, and a medical gas building, among other critical infrastructure.”
The Bolgatanga project is one of many completed under the NPP administration’s health sector overhaul.
Other significant projects include the University of Ghana Medical Centre Phase II, the Urology, Nephrology, and Kidney Transplant Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the Upper West Regional Hospital, and Ga East Regional Hospital.
In addition to the completed projects, he provided updates on ongoing developments, such as the construction of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region, the Maternity and Children Block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region, and the redevelopment of the La General Hospital in Accra.
However, he expressed concerns about the sustainability of these investments, pointing out that poor maintenance, misuse, and indiscipline have undermined the functionality of many new healthcare facilities.
He urged staff and management to ensure the proper use and care of the Bolgatanga hospital, stressing that further government investments would depend on how current facilities are managed.
“With these unprecedented investments, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should be given another mandate to continue the good works for Mother Ghana and to initiate more viable projects across the country,” Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye added.
AM/MA
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