Daboase (W/R), April 18, GNA - Mr. Anthony Evans Amoah, the Western Regional Minister, on Tuesday called on the people to actively participate in finding solutions to problems retarding the development of their communities and the nation.
He made the call at a public forum organized by the Mpohor Wassa East District Assembly to solicit views on the establishment of district government hospital at Daboase.
Mr. Amoah, who is the Member of Parliament for Mpohor Wassa East, urged the people to refrain from politicising development issues because they benefit all people irrespective of their political affiliation. He expressed concern that the area is lagging behind in development although it was made a district about 19 years ago.
Mr. Amoah said records indicate that the area and the Bia district have the lowest registration figures for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He said he supported the establishment of a district hospital but the people should register for the NHIS to enable them benefit from the services of the hospital.
Mr. Paul Damoah, a member of the Council of State, urged the people not to abandon the idea of a district government hospital after the forum. They should put down their request in a resolution and forward it to the President for consideration, he said.
Mr. Edward Tawiah Amprofi, Mpohor Wassa East District Chief Executive, suggested that the Daboase Health Centre be upgraded into a District Hospital.
He said the centre has a higher patronage than the Ahmaddiyya Muslim Mission Hospital at Daboase, which handles mainly surgical operations. Dr. Linda Van-Otoo, Deputy Regional Director of Health Services, spoke of the need for district hospitals to bring health care to the doorsteps of the people.
She said district hospitals would ensure quality health care and serve as referral points in their areas.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, Medical Officer in-charge of the Ahmaddiyya Muslim Mission Hospital, said the hospital should be regarded as a community institution.
He said the hospital was established 15 years ago following an appeal by the district to the leadership of the mission. Dr. Ibrahim said the hospital serves the poor, and the needy and its charges are not high.
