Accra: Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, on Wednesday presented medical equipment worth $1.5 million to the Ga North Municipal Hospital to enhance healthcare delivery. The equipment included anaesthesia machines, incubators, nebulizers, ECG machines, Stem sterilizers, stethoscopes, hospital beds, delivery sets, and ward screens.
According to Ghana News Agency, the presentation followed the minister's visit to the facility, which revealed the inadequate resources and equipment the hospital had been operating with, forcing management to rely on their own resources to function. Mr Akandoh described the equipment as a capital investment and urged the hospital management to maintain and use it effectively for the benefit of patients.
He mentioned that the Government would explore financing options, including direct government purchases and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, to enhance the health sector. Mr. Akandoh acknowledged the challenges facing the health sector, particularly the shortage of healthcare workforce, and appealed to health workers to remain committed to quality healthcare delivery. He stated, "We know we don't have the optimal capacity when it comes to the workforce. We'll be seeking to add more, but we also appeal to those in the system to also do their best to sustain our healthcare delivery in the country."
The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a health sector that delivers quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare regardless of location. Dr Victor Caesar, the Medical Superintendent of the Ga North Municipal Hospital, assured the Ministry that the equipment would be put to good use. He highlighted the hospital's experience in equipment maintenance, having previously borrowed medical equipment from other hospitals when needed.
Dr Caesar stated that the hospital would take full responsibility for the equipment throughout its operational life, including replacement costs when necessary. He commended the ministry for providing timely support to the hospital.
