The Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua has received its first donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs| from former President John Mahama.
The items include gumboots, disposal coverall suits, Medical Protective overall suits, goggles, face masks, and hand sanitizers.
The items are part of 650 PPEs and 650 pair of gumboots Mr Mahama, Flagbearer of the largest Opposition party in Ghana is distributing to a number of medical facilities across the country to help frontline health workers protect themselves while managing coronavirus cases.
The medical items were Presented on behalf of NDC flagbearer Dr. Jonas Asamoah, a Public Health expert also a member of the NDC Covid-19 Technical team Tuesday, April 7,2020.
Speaking to the media, Dr Asamoah said the donation is part of former President Mahama’s contribution to the fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic. He said Mr.Mahama is very appreciative of sacrifices being made by the frontline health workers in the midst numerous challenges including inadequate PPEs.
The Acting Medical Director of the Eastern Regional Hospital,Dr. Cardinal Newton said the donation is the first private donation the Hospital has received in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic .
According to him, the Hospital has been declared as a treatment centre and therefore needs more PPEs to protect staff in line of duty.
“They have declared this place as a treatment centre, and you know, even when you get one suspected case, the number of PPEs that you will use is not easy-at least five PPEs will be used. So any number of PPEs you get, if you get three-five suspected cases then it is gone. So this gesture is timely. It is going to complement what government has provided,”Dr.Newton stated.
A similar donation was made to Hawa Memorial Hospital at Akyem Osiem where access to PPEs was a major challenge. According to the Administrator of the Hospital, Ruben Tweneboah Oppong, the donation by the former President is a great relief.
He, however, appealed to the National Health Insurance Authority to pay ten months indebtedness to the facility to enable management procure essential medical supplies to enhance quality healthcare delivery.
Ghana has recorded 287 confirmed cases of Coronavirus with five deaths. The first confirmed case was announced by government on March 13, 2020.
The donation delegation included by some Regional Executives including Regional Vice Chairman,William Atamudzi, Regional Secretary Cudjoe Adukpo,Deputy Treasurer -Richard Obibini Lartey, Regional Deputy Youth Organizer- Richard Etornam Nyarko and Deputy Communication Director Offoe Cesar.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
