Togbega Gabusu VII, the Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, has labelled the Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe a “death trap”.
According to Togbega Gabusu VII, despite the Volta Regional Hospital’s elevation from a municipal to a regional hospital, the facility lacks improved infrastructure, logistics, and medical equipment.
The Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area demanded urgent government intervention to overhaul the Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe.
He stressed that the upgrade in status has not been matched by the facility that the Hospital needs.
Togbega Gabusu VII highlighted that although the facility now serves as a regional referral centre, several critical departments continue to operate with obsolete equipment.
He detailed the congested wards and overstretched facilities endanger both patients and health workers, adding that the hospital’s infrastructure remains unchanged from its days as a municipal hospital.
The Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area highlighted that the government’s failure to address the situation promptly could further weaken healthcare delivery, calling on the government to prioritize the provision of modern medical equipment, expansion and overall infrastructure improvement.
“I know the authorities are listening to us and they will act as a matter of urgency to save lives,” he added.
Also, Divine Akie, the Administrator of the Volta Regional Hospital, has disclosed that the hospital operates without a dedicated surgical ward and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
He also appealed for immediate support to equip the hospital and the necessary infrastructure and modern medical equipment.
Divine Akie stated, “As a regional hospital, it is far behind compared to other established regional hospitals, talking about infrastructure, equipment and human resources”.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to increase capacity at the Ridge Hospital by implementing phase two of the project.
Speaking to the nation on Friday, February 27, President Mahama stated, “In the meantime governnment will expand capacity by implementing the Ridge Hospital phase two project to increase the number of beds at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. We will also continue and complete the police hospital, and also continue and complete the La General Hospital”.
Also, President John Dramani Mahama has told Ghana healthcare workers they do not need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient.
Mahama warned all health facilities against turning away patients who report to their facility for emergency treatment.
According to John Mahama, every Ghanaian who seeks medical attention must be attended to expalining that health workers do not need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient.
Mahama added, “This year, the government will fully roll out a free primary healthcare programme, removing all cost barriers at the primary level where it is mostly needed, while strengthening prevention, screening, and health promotion, especially for non-communicable diseases”.
“Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health is expected to issue guidelines to eliminate the unacceptable no-bed syndrome. Patients facing medical emergencies must be received and given help, if even under makeshift conditions. You don’t need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient”.
Mahama boldly warned, “No patient must be turned away from any health facility they report to”.