The Ministry of Health has presented 11 anaesthesia machines to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), all in Accra, as part of the government’s effort to enhance healthcare delivery in major medical facilities across the country.
Fifty additional machines would be distributed to other hospitals, including regional and district facilities, in subsequent phases.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who made the presentation in Accra yesterday, said the exercise was a component of a broader initiative to strengthen health systems and ensure that hospitals were adequately equipped to provide quality and safe care.
He said the government’s retooling agenda comprised an all-inclusive approach to improve infrastructure, personnel and service quality in the health sector.
“Health facilities are not just buildings; the equipment, the personnel and the systems together make a good health facility,” Mr Akandoh, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, added.
He advised staff of health institutions to uphold professionalism and treat patients with dignity and respect.
The minister further said that "patient feedback is vital to the sector’s progress, and hospitals should create accessible feedback channels such as suggestion boxes and hotlines".
Postings
Mr Akandoh also urged newly qualified doctors and other health personnel to accept postings to rural communities as a necessary step to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
“About 80 per cent of our medical doctors are concentrated in Accra and Kumasi.
If we truly want to serve our country, we must ensure that all regions have access to quality health care.
This is not punishment, it’s a necessary decision we must take.
“It is also our responsibility as government to provide good working environments in districts where you are posted.
The feedback has been heard, and while the decision may be tough, it is essential for equitable healthcare delivery,” he said.
Appreciation
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University of Ghana Centre, Dr Abdul- Samed Tanko, expressed appreciation to the government for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
“We wish to express our sincere gratitude for this noble gesture. We know this is only the beginning,” he said.
The CEO said that the UGMC’s core mandate of quality health care, translational research and training would be significantly enhanced with the new equipment, adding, “These anaesthesia machines will go a long way to improve surgical outcomes and patient safety in our facility”.
At the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where eight of the machines were handed over, the CEO, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, thanked the minister and his team for their continued support.
He gave an assurance that the machines would be put to effective use.
“We appreciate the pivotal role these machines play in healthcare delivery and will ensure they contribute to quality service,” Dr Adam added.
