On a landmark occasion, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the Urology and Nephrology Center of Excellence at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, marking a significant stride in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.
The President’s address at the event emphasized the importance of maintaining the facility, celebrated the achievements of his administration in the healthcare sector, and outlined the ongoing efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in healthcare.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the critical importance of proper maintenance for the sustainability of the new facility.
“It is critical that we implement a well-thought-out maintenance plan. I call on the management of [the] Urology and Nephrology Center of Excellence to adopt a [robust] preventative maintenance strategy to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of this facility.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presisdent of the Republic of Ghana
The emphasis on maintenance resonates with a broader call for healthcare infrastructure sustainability, ensuring that these advanced medical centers continue to provide high-quality services for decades to come.
Achievements in Expanding Health Infrastructure
President Akufo-Addo took the opportunity to outline some of his administration’s key achievements in the healthcare sector, particularly in the expansion of health infrastructure. One notable achievement has been the significant increase in the number of hospital beds nationwide.
“From 2017 to August this year, we have expanded from 24,153 hospital beds in 2016 to 32,818 hospital beds by August 2024, representing a rise of some 36%.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presisdent of the Republic of Ghana
This expansion is part of the broader health infrastructure improvement agenda, which seeks to enhance the capacity of hospitals to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. The President further noted that this figure does not include the additional beds that will be provided under the Agenda 111 project, a flagship initiative aimed at building 101 district hospitals, six regional hospitals, and other health facilities across the country.
Progress in Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the progress made in reducing maternal, adolescent, and child mortality rates. This improvement is in line with the government’s commitment to achieving the SDGs, specifically reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
“The institutional maternal mortality ratio (IMMR) has declined steadily from 127.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 102.1 per 100,000 live births in recent years.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presisdent of the Republic of Ghana
In addition to this, he pointed out that the country has also seen improvements in reducing neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality rates, although challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, particularly for children.
Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
The President reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to achieving the health-related targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“These achievements reflect our dedication to improving healthcare services and advancing towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly our targets of reducing maternal mortality to 70 per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality to 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presisdent of the Republic of Ghana
This statement underscores the administration’s long-term vision for a robust and equitable healthcare system that addresses both current needs and future challenges.
Acknowledgment of Partners and Stakeholders
President Akufo-Addo thanked the numerous stakeholders who contributed to completing the Urology and Nephrology Center.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the financiers, Rafelson Bank, International AG of Austria, and UAKB Group, the contractor, Machines Vamed Engineering, consultants, Missus Kay and Partners, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, traditional leaders, international partners, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the successful completion of this Urology and Nephrology Center of Excellence at Korle-Bu.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presisdent of the Republic of Ghana
This appreciation reflects the collaborative nature of such large-scale healthcare projects, which require the involvement of various local and international partners.
A Milestone for Healthcare in Ghana
In concluding remarks, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of the Urology and Nephrology Center as a milestone for Ghana’s healthcare sector.
The center is poised to address critical healthcare needs related to kidney and urinary tract diseases, positioning Ghana as a leader in specialized healthcare services in the region. With this new facility, Ghanaians can expect improved access to cutting-edge medical care without the need to seek treatment abroad.
“Accordingly, ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular honor and pleasure to declare the Urology and Nephrology Center of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital duly commissioned.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presisdent of the Republic of Ghana
The commissioning of this center is a testament to the government’s commitment to expanding and modernizing the healthcare infrastructure in Ghana, ensuring that citizens receive world-class medical care within the country.
READ ALSO; Lisa Quama Shares Reason She Ventured Into Dancing
