In a bid to expedite the operationalization of the Agenda 111 hospitals, Dr.(Med) Frank Serebour, President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), has proposed that the government adopt a phased approach for facilities that are nearly complete.
This strategy aims to ensure that hospitals with a 95% completion rate can begin providing healthcare services sooner, rather than waiting for full completion.
Speaking in an interview with Prof. SF Gyasi on Bresosem at Abusua965, Dr. Serebour highlighted the urgency of the situation. He noted that the substantial investment of $400 million in these projects has yet to yield tangible benefits, as none of the hospitals are currently operational.
“As for what has happened, nobody is happy with it. I don’t think anyone can sit here and say they are happy that we’ve sunk $400 million into a project, and as of today, not even one is operationalized. Obviously, we are worried”.
Dr. Serebour suggests that hospitals nearing completion should be operationalized in phases, allowing them to start offering services while the remaining construction work is completed.
He advocates for initiating the administrative setup and recruitment processes for these hospitals, including the appointment of key personnel and the conduct of necessary training programs.
“At least three of them are 95% complete. If three of them are 95% complete, why can’t we operationalize them in phases? As it stands, if you want to operate a hospital, first and foremost, you need to appoint people who will manage it. It takes time to select the right people who will manage it properly; you will have to get the person who will head the hospital, those who will support the management, and so forth. Can’t we start with that? For instance, we know that in Oforikrom, Prof. is going there with this and that… can’t we ensure that at least the administrative setup is sorted out?”, Dr Serebour quizzes.
…“Can’t we start recruitment processes to ensure that training is ongoing? Not all of the training you will conduct is clinical; even ethics and how to manage the place are part of the training”, he emphasized.
Dr. Serebour proposes that hospitals can begin operations while the final 5% of construction is being completed.
“This 95% completion, they say, is not operational, which is what we are arguing about. I don’t see why we should be arguing about it. Operating a hospital is like building your own house; you don’t need to finish every single detail before moving in, unless you are in a comfortable position and don’t need the house urgently”.
He cited the example of the Bekwai Government Hospital, which started operations in phases after its commissioning.
“This is what happened when we finally completed the (supposed) Bekwai Government Hospital. We moved in phases, even though the place had been commissioned. After we finished moving in, we had to stay with the contractors for nearly six months”.
Dr. Serebour, however, noted that some hospitals have begun functioning without all departments being fully operational, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
He said, “Some hospitals even start operating with outpatient department service, so why can’t we start operating in phases”.
Dr. Serebour underscored his primary objective of ensuring the operationalization of the Agenda 111 hospitals, providing vital treatments to those in need.
“For me, as a health professional, my paramount interest lies in witnessing these hospitals become fully functional, with dedicated staff providing essential treatments to patients,” Dr. Serebour emphasized.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kwadwo Owusu
