VP Amissah Arthur inaugurates MRI Centre in Kumasi

Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur on Thursday inaugurated an ultra-modern Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi to enhance the quality of health care delivery.

The centre is one of 10 MRI centres being established in the teaching and regional hospitals in Ghana.

Services rendered by MRI are deemed crucial in modern health care delivery across the world.

MRI machines are used to accurately detect disorders in the human body for the appropriate medical attention to be applied.

It is an advanced technological phenomenon, which has made clinical application more easy and accurate for improved health care.

Apart for the one in KATH, those in the Korle-Bu and Tamale Teaching Hospitals, and Ho and Cape Coast Regional Hospitals are almost ready for inauguration under the first phase of the project.

The Toshiba Technologies MRI machines which have accompanying CT Scanners installed at the centres, is the most advanced type, with Ghana being the third country to have acquired it in Africa, after Egypt and South Africa.

It is also expected to benefit neighboring countries such as Togo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso where patients would find it convenient accessing the MRI services in Ghana than having to travel to South Africa or Europe.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur said government took the step to establish the centres as part of its continued effort to provide the necessary infrastructure, technology and other facilities to create a congenial atmosphere for effective and efficient national health care system.

“The health of Ghanaians is paramount for the government, because a healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” he said.

He expressed happiness that such a significant campaign pledge by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2008 is being redeemed.

He described the project as a major dividend from the Better Ghana agenda, which would be completed on time to benefit all the regions.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur urged the operators of the facility to ensure its effective maintenance.

The Vice President inspected an ongoing 1,000 bed maternity and children’s ward block project being built at the KATH.

The multi-storey ward project, which is more than 50 per cent complete, would have 10 theatres and help to decongest the present children’s and maternity blocks.

The GH¢1.5 million project is being financed by the Hospital, Ministry of Health, USAID and the Himalayan Cataract Project.

The funding partners have already supplied eye equipment worth $125,000.

The maternity and children’s block which has reached roofing stage was started in 1976 and Government has provided more than GH¢8 million for its completion.

It is expected to be fully operational by December next year.

The Vice President inspected an ultra-modern two-story surgical block under construction to enhance health care delivery and teaching by the hospital.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur also visited Kumasi Children’s Home and donated GH¢ 1,000, 10 bags of rice, two gallons of cooking oil, toiletries and detergents and two bales of used clothing.

He expressed gratitude to the teachers and caregivers at the home for their sacrifices and dedication.

Vice President Amisssah-Arthur addressed rallies at Kordie and Wiamoase.