District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle in the Western Region Kwasi Bonzo relishes how a new 20-bed capacity mini-hospital he has helped cut the sod for at Aiyinase will contribute immensely to critical health needs, especially maternal health, in the district.
He mentions how pregnant women have had to be referred from miles away to the Eikwe Hospital for blood transfusion and caesarean section (CS) and the attendant fears with such avoidable referrals.
“As I a DCE and a father, I become very concerned when I hear news of how a number of pregnant women will have to be transferred all the way to Eikwe sometimes just for blood transfusions and caesarean sections. And you know during the late stages of pregnancy it is dangerous to be moving pregnant women around. So u have to appreciate how happy I am that we are cutting the sod for this new hospital.”
He is equally happy that the new mini-hospital is being built at a strategic location that will ensure that thousands can have easy access.
“The Aiyinase Community is the largest community in the Ellembelle district in terms of population and commercial activities. Therefore this hospital will be of immense benefit to the populace.”
The Ghana National Gas Company together with Quantum Gas, with operations in Ellembele, are providing financial assistance for the construction of the 20-bed capacity hospital.
The health facility costs $2,860,000 and is expected to be completed in 12 months.
It will have an out-patient as well as an in-patient unit, diagnostic unit, maternity unit, nursing mother’s shelter, an administration block, a service yard, staff accommodation, canteen and security post.
The two companies are extending the gesture to the district as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
“We are giving back to one of the communities that have hosted us over the years. This is our profound way of showing appreciation for the cordial relationship we keep enjoying,” Samuel Bonuedie, the Head of Brands and Communications at Quantum Group Limited commented.
A Board Member of Ghana Gas, Stephen Nanyina, added that the current state of the Aiyinasi health centre leaves much to be desired.
“Therefore as good corporate citizens it was only fair that we step in.
“$2,112,577 out of the total amount will be used for construction while $757, 458 will be used to purchase medical equipment for the facility. We want the hospital not to want for anything.”
Ellembelle District Health Director Dr. Augustine Amoako expressed confidence that the facility when completed will ease the overwhelming reliance on the Eikwe Hospital, and for him also, especially with the issue of maternal health.