TAMALE NEEDS NEW TEACHING HOSPITAL (PAGE 29)

FOLLOWING the extensive deterioration of the four-storey tower block and other facilities and equipment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Dr Ken Sagoe, has suggested that a new hospital be put up instead of expending resources to renovate the existing one.
‘‘Even though we are doing our best to maintain the existing structures, the total amount needed for the complete rehabilitation of the hospital is so huge and it is better we channel such funds into constructing an entirely new hospital so that we can use this one as a regional hospital to cater for the health needs of the growing population,’’ he indicated.
Since the construction of the hospital in 1974, there has not been any comprehensive rehabilitation of the facility, leading to the deterioration of equipment and physical structures, some of which have developed gaping cracks and leaking roofs.
Dr Sagoe who assumed duty at the hospital six months ago as the CEO, made the suggestions during a visit to the Editorial Office of the Graphic Communications Group Limited in Tamale.
He also expressed grave concern about the congestion at the labour and maternity blocks. He said facilities at the two blocks were inadequate following the growing number of births and attendance. Also, the facilities had not seen any expansion over the years.
‘‘It is very sad to see mothers and their babies lying on rubber materials on the floor with their new-born babies. As a result, most of them are discharged within 24 hours after delivery, which should not be the case, because the health of both mothers and their babies need to be observed for some time before they are made to go home,’’ the CEO explained.
Dr Sagoe also indicated that the hospital lacked the required manpower, accommodation and transport.
For instance, he said, there were currently 29 medical doctors at post instead of the required number of 105.
‘‘We have 210 nurses, representing one/third of our requirement; six pharmacists and a few laboratory technicians whose numbers are woefully inadequate for effective health delivery’’, the CEO further revealed.
He, however, said in spite of the gloomy situation, the hospital would continue to work hard to get adequate staffing for the hospital and with the support of the government and the Ministry of Health, the doctor population could hit 54 by next year.
Dr Sagoe admonished the leadership of the various political parties to advise their supporters in the area to conduct their campaigns orderly and peacefully to avoid casualties as time went by.
The CEO commended the Graphic editorial team for their immense support to the hospital over the years, through their incisive write-ups on the condition of the hospital, which he noted, had attracted the attention of the government and other well-meaning organisations and individuals to their plight.