The temporary cuts off electricity supply to various sectors due to inadequate power supply to meet the demand pose a significant threat to the country. While load shedding affects businesses and households, one critical area that can be significantly impacted is health facilities. Unscheduled electricity load-shedding exercises at health facilities can have a profound impact on patient care, medical equipment, and overall healthcare service delivery.
The Minority in Parliament has called for an immediate exemption of health facilities from the current unannounced and unscheduled electricity load-shedding exercises. This call comes amid concerns over the devastating impact of these exercises on the delivery of essential health services across the country, leading to increased morbidity among patients, especially those relying on public health facilities.
The Minority argued that the implementation of load-shedding in a time of so-called excess capacity is highly unjustifiable and demands immediate action from the Ministry and relevant bodies to address the unannounced power outages.
“Amid these happenings, the government has refused to heed wise counsel from suffering Ghanaians and businesses to publish a load-shedding timetable to enable them to plan their lives. This situation has begun to take a toll on critical healthcare facilities across the country.”
Minority in Parliament
Health facilities rely on a wide range of medical equipment to provide quality care to patients. These instruments, including X-ray machines, ultrasound equipment, electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, and laboratory analyzers, require a consistent power supply for accurate functioning.
Unscheduled load shedding can cause frequent power fluctuations and damage expensive equipment, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Moreover, abrupt power cuts can result in the loss of critical data stored on medical devices, affecting patient records and diagnosis.
“The Ministry of Health working in tandem with the Ghana Health Service should audit all alternate power supply systems within health facilities to determine their capacity and reliability in handling electricity disruptions and procurement of emergency power supply systems should be done if current systems are inadequate.”
Minority in Parliament
The Minority in Parliament called on the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to Provide adequate resources for the procurement of fuel and essential inputs necessary for the seamless operation of alternate power supply systems.
Additionally, the Minority demanded that the Ministry of Health together with the Ghana Health Service must ensure the implementation of robust maintenance and service regimes by all health facilities to enhance the reliability of their alternate power supply systems.
Routine maintenance of medical equipment and electrical systems is essential to detect any issues beforehand. Regular checks, calibrations, and equipment servicing can help prevent equipment failures and mitigate potential risks caused by power disruptions.
The Minority in Parliament further requested that the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service conduct a comprehensive impact assessment to gauge the effects of recent power outages on health facility operations, including their impact on patient morbidity and mortality.
“The Minority would like to reiterate that in a time of so-called excess capacity, the implementation of a load-shedding exercise by the government is highly unjustifiable and there can be no excuse whatsoever for interrupting power supply, especially to health facilities. We therefore demand swift action from relevant authorities to address these critical issues and safeguard the delivery of vital health services to Ghanaians.”
Minority in Parliament
Unscheduled electricity load-shedding exercises at health facilities can have severe consequences for patient care, medical equipment, and healthcare service delivery.
By adopting strategies like backup power systems, load shedding prioritization, regular maintenance, and redundant data storage, health facilities can mitigate the negative effects of power interruptions, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services. Cooperation between electricity providers and healthcare institutions is crucial in safeguarding the well-being of patients, medical staff, and the overall healthcare system.
READ ALSO: Tema Hospital ‘Dumsor’ Video: Sarkodie, Yvonne Nelson, Bridget Otoo, Others React
