Story: Nana Sifa Twum, London

The Secretary General of the Commonwealth Medical Association, Dr. Oheneba Owusu-Danso, has observed that though it is the duty of governments to ensure the health needs of their people, it is becoming increasingly challenging for governments of developing countries to solely handle the health needs of their citizenry without support from organisations or philanthropist especially in the areas of provision and maintenance of health facilities.

He said the rising high cost of medical facilities coupled with the high budget deficit of nations provide the cue for non-governmental organisations to pragmatically put in place plans to support governments in the provision of good health care for the people.

According to him, the health of the people must be taken seriously by every nation adding that “support from other sources to improve the health delivery system will be a boost to national development.”

Dr. Owusu-Danso was addressing a Ghanaian gathering in London, United Kingdom, at the inauguration of the Komfo Anokye Ex-Practitioners Association (KAEPA) in the United Kingdom. The function brought together highly placed Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians especially from the medical field including former and present tutors and workers of the KATH including the renowned Consultant Surgeon, Dr Plange-Rhule

The KAEPA was formed to bring together ex workers of the KATH in the UK, primarily to help work towards the improvement of health facilities at the hospital. Current the association has adopted the Children’s ward of the hospital and has sent a delegation from the UK to assess the needs of the Children’s Ward.
The weekend’s event was also to raise funds for activities lined up to provide a face-lift to the ward.
He commended the association for their foresight and commitment towards the provision of good health care for the people of Ghana.

He urged the association to collaborate with other international organisations to solicit for support and assistance in respect of their laudable idea.
Dr. Owusu-Danso expressed the view that there were many organisations within the commonwealth fraternity that were keen to assist developing countries to help develop their health delivery systems.

The Chairperson of the association, Mrs Maame Kwateng Longdon, said needs assessment carried out at the children’s ward of the KATH indicated virtual collapse of the place and that enormous effort was needed to tackle the situation.

A screening of a documentary on the ward which preceded her speech portrayed deplorable situation of the ward. She said the repair and upgrading of the sanitation and sewerage systems at the ward will begin soon and will take a year to complete
She said after these a project to replace the beddings and also provide basic needs such as reliable water supply for patients and their carers would be tackled. Mrs. Longdon noted that it was obligation under the adoption contract to paint and change all deteriorated facilities every two years.
“A very challenging task, but we are determined to carry it out with perfection, “as we are all aware, it is always good to give back something of good cause to people and institutions that have helped you on your way up.” she acknowledged
“The Children’s ward is our target and I wish to say that re-equipping the ward is off the ground and work is expected to be completed in two years time with your assistance and support.” Mrs Longdon stressed.

She announced that a delegation from the association would be at the ward next month to undertake deep cleaning on facilities at the ward. There after, members will offer themselves in assistance in core nursing skills for up-to a week for free whenever they visit Ghana.

The Guest of Honour was Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Mrs. Elizabeth Nicol. She pledged the mission’s support to the association.