Health Minister touts massive infrastructure in health sector

The government has begun the construction of considerable health infrastructure to enhance access to quality healthcare.

These include eight hospital projects consisting of two regional and six district hospitals.

The Minister for Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said this during a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday.

He stated, “They are 160 beds in the Upper West Regional Hospital, 100-beds Ga East Municipal Hospital, Twifo Praso 60-beds Hospital, 60-beds Tepa District Hospital, 60-beds Nsawkaw District Hospital, 60-beds Asante Akim (Konongo) Hospital, 250-beds Kumasi Regional Hospital and a 60-beds Salaga District Hospital.”

He said the government had constructed and equipped the University of Ghana Medical Centre phase 11.

According to the Minister, the government had also constructed and equipped five district hospitals and a polyclinic in Tolon, Sawla, Buipe, Somanya, Weta and Bamboi.

“There is also the completion of seven district hospitals and integrated IT systems in Dodowa, Fomena, Kumawu and Takoradi European flat,” he added.

He added that the government had constructed five and upgraded one health facilities in the Western Region (Akontombra, Wassa Dunkwa, Elubo, Bogoso) and also constructed, retooled and equipped four health facilities in the Eastern Region (Tettheh Quashie, Atibie, Aburi and Kibi).

He also mentioned the construction of Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) at selected locations in the country, the construction and rehabilitation of treatment and holding centres and the major rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

“The CHPS are located in Oshiye, Tetegu, Antwirfo, Mantewareso, Meweremfiwuo, Kofiasua, Amakyekrom, Akaaso, Akaasu, Ntakam, Samproso, Akyem, Mampong, Tiawia, Ahankrasu and Koforidua (near Offinso),” he emphasized.

On the Ministry's ongoing project, he stated that the construction and equipping of KATH maternity and children’s block, the rehabilitation of Bolgatanga Regional Hospital phase II, the reconstruction of La General Hospital, the rehabilitation of Effia Nkwanta Hospital and the construction of a Western Regional Hospital were at various stages.

“The construction of the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence, the construction of the District hospital at Obuasi, Anyinam Trauma centre, the rehabilitation of Enyiresi Government Hospital and the construction of 12 hospitals in Eastern, Ashanti, Ahafo and Greater Accra are also ongoing,” he stressed.

Mr Agyemang-Manu noted that projects approved for construction include the new 400 Beds Maternity Block in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the construction and equipping of five district hospitals in Osiem, Assin Kuhyea, Dormaa Akwamu, Wamfie and Kutre.

“The construction of Tema General Hospital, Central Medical Stores Nkoranza, and rehabilitation of Nkoranza and Dormaa Hospitals and the construction of Shama Hospital are all projects approved for implementation,” he added.