Malaria, stroke among top 10 causes of death at Ridge

Accra, Oct. 30, GNA - Malaria, cardio vascular accidents, respiratory infections, hypertension and pregnancy-related complications were listed among the top 10 common causes of admissions, out-patients' department attendance and death at the Ridge Hospital during the first half of this year.

Dr Eric Asamoa, a Medical Officer at the Hospital, said cases of cardio vascular accidents filled the medical ward of the hospital thus reflecting the cardio vascular health state of the entire nation.

Speaking at a two-day Greater Accra Regional Conference on Clinical Care on Thursday, Dr Asamoa said figures from the Hospital also indicated that cases of HIV/AIDS had taken an upward trend.

He said Ridge being a Regional Hospital for the Greater Accra Region provided a 24-hour emergency service and, therefore, there was the needs for more junior doctors and staff accommodation to assist the hospital perform creditably.

Dr Asamoa, who was giving a report on the state of the Hospital, said it still lacked mortuary and laundry facilities. He said there was the need to pay attention to the needs of the hospital to ensure that it played its role as a regional health facility.

On some achievements, he mentioned the current cervical care project at the Hospital as a success story adding that about 60 women were screened daily.

The Medical Officer said a mammography machine had been activated and was fully functioning, adding that the computerisation programme at the hospital was ongoing.

He said the Hospital also had a diabetic clinic and a diet therapy unit.