The Ministry of Health has handed over newly constructed Okere District Hospital in Ghana’s Eastern Region to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), marking a significant leap in healthcare infrastructure for the area.
The handover ceremony, held at the Okere District Hospital, highlighted the collaborative efforts of government, traditional leaders, and local communities.
Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of GHS, received the keys from Hon. Awatey and passed them on to his Regional Director.
He introduced the hospital management team and reminded them of their responsibility to deliver top-notch healthcare services.
“I want you to prioritize the survival of women and children in your facilities. Give your best to the people”, he stated.
Director of Infrastructure at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Ben Nkansah, advised traditional leaders to finalize documentation for securing the facilities. He also encouraged hospital management teams to maintain the buildings and equipment diligently.
The Okere District Hospital, where the symbolic handover took place, is a 40-bed facility equipped with essential departments such as outpatient services (OPD), maternity wards, delivery rooms, and reproductive healthcare units.
Regional Minister Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions to the project. She encouraged chiefs and residents to take ownership of the facilities, ensuring their proper maintenance.
“These facilities belong to you; let’s preserve them for future generations,” she stated.
It is set to serve as a model district hospital, offering comprehensive care to its catchment area.
Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, Chief of Adukrom and Akuapim Nifahene, chaired the event with a heartfelt appeal to healthcare professionals. He urged them to prioritize empathy and customer-centered care when treating patients.
“Healthcare is not just about medicine; it’s about understanding and compassion,” he emphasized
The event was attended by regional and district health workers, traditional leaders, municipal officials, and other stakeholders who celebrated this advancement in healthcare infrastructure aimed at improving access and quality of care in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
Background:
In August 2020, the former Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has cut the sod for the construction of a 40-bed capacity district hospital for the Okere District in the Eastern Region.
The hospital, which is part of the 88 district hospitals announced by the president to be constructed across the country, will have theatre and surgical units, antenatal unit, OPD, male, female, and kids wards among others.
The project was being undertaken by Vamed Engineering.
The construction of the new district hospital, according to the then minister, forms part of the government’s plan to expand the country’s health infrastructure and also improve the health care delivery system to the benefit of all.
Addressing a gathering of chiefs in Adukrom, the then Minister of Health Kwaku Agyeman-Manu said the government was working assiduously to attain universal health coverage.
“The project is a 40-bed capacity hospital and will be constructed by Vamed Engineering who are currently constructing 12 of such projects at a cost of Euro 71,500.000. It also has an 8.6 million insurance guarantee from a company based in the Czech Republic. Jumapo, Kwabeng, Nkwatia, Achiase are all towns in the Eastern Region, which will benefit from the 71 million euros project”.
www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
