Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, visited the Agona Swedru Municipal Government Hospital last Saturday to assess the cholera situation in the Agona West Municipality and to address the pressure on the facility due to recent cholera cases.
During the visit, Hon. Akandoh interacted with the health personnel at the hospital to discuss strategies for combating the disease. He reiterated the commitment of the NDC Government, under President John Dramani Mahama, to eradicating environmental-related diseases, particularly cholera.
Addressing the hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, administrators, and paramedics, Hon. Akandoh emphasized that the Ministry of Health would continue to support and encourage health personnel to effectively carry out their duties. He announced that the Ministry would soon initiate a vaccination exercise in Agona West and other cholera-prone areas in the Central Region and beyond.
However, Hon. Akandoh issued a stern warning against unprofessional conduct, especially among nurses during emergency and referral cases, urging that no one engage in illicit acts that would compromise patient care.
Dr. Frank Lule, the Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), assured the Minister of WHO’s support in the fight against cholera and other environmental health issues.
Dr. Julius Abuku, the Medical Superintendent of the Agona Swedru Municipal Government Hospital, appealed for improvements in equipment, accommodation, and additional doctors to enhance services at the facility. He highlighted the hospital’s long history, having been established in 1950 as a Health Post and expanded to a 172-bed capacity. He stressed the need for further expansion to meet the growing demand from the local population.
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh was accompanied by Professor Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, and Dr. Agnes Achiamaa, Acting Central Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, among other officials.
