The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has pledged to back a comprehensive retooling of major health facilities across Ghana, following disturbing revelations of patient deaths linked to malfunctioning and outdated medical equipment.
Speaking during a working visit to health institutions in the Ashanti Region, committee member Dr. Thomas Anabah expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of equipment at several hospitals, describing the situation as both avoidable and unacceptable.
“It is unacceptable that we don’t have functioning equipment in our hospitals to care for patients. Whether it’s the fault of the government, facility managers, or national planning, the priority now must be finding the resources to equip our hospitals,” Dr. Anabah told the media.
His comments follow a recent visit by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where it was revealed that several patient deaths were directly linked to broken or obsolete medical equipment.
During its regional tour, the committee visited the Ashanti Regional Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, where they were briefed on critical challenges including limited space, high staff attrition rates, and equipment failures. Committee members engaged hospital managers in discussions to identify practical solutions, including resource mobilization and service expansion.
“There are various ways we can procure equipment, but the committee will have to deliberate and agree on a final approach,” Dr. Anabah noted, adding that the committee remains optimistic about reaching a consensus that supports lasting reforms in healthcare delivery.
Despite recurring reports of equipment-related setbacks, successive governments have been criticized for not doing enough to address the systemic problem. Dr. Anabah believes the time has come for a decisive and coordinated national response.
As Ghana’s healthcare system grapples with equipment failures and operational constraints, the Parliamentary Health Committee’s commitment to retooling hospitals offers a glimmer of hope.
With firm collaboration between policymakers and hospital administrators, the country may soon witness tangible improvements in care delivery and patient outcomes.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
