The inadequacy of clinical equipment at smaller health facilities has long hindered healthcare delivery, often putting pressure on referral centres and delaying treatment.
In what appears to be a glimmer of hope, some health facilities within the Prestea Huni Valley and Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipalities have received ultra-modern medical equipment to strengthen healthcare delivery.
At many facilities, critical items such as ICU beds, incubators, anaesthesia machines, imaging devices, and consumables, including gloves, syringes, and sterile dressings, are often in short supply. This has led to delays in treatment and frequent referrals, thereby piling pressure on other healthcare centres.
It is against this backdrop that the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, in partnership with Project C.U.R.E., has donated essential healthcare equipment to both municipalities.
Municipal Health Director for Prestea Huni Valley, Thomas Kobina Ofori, noted that the donation comes as a relief, especially considering the high occupational health risks in the area.
“When you look at the burden of work done in this municipality, particularly mining, the level of injuries and disease cases is very high. We therefore need sophisticated equipment to help us manage emergencies and reduce the health risks that come with these occupations. These new supplies will greatly enhance our capacity to respond to the health needs of our people.”
On behalf of the benefactors, Executive Director of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel-Razak Yakubu, said the goal is to leave behind a lasting impact that transcends mining.
“Gold is a finite resource. No matter how responsibly we mine, the ore will eventually be exhausted. The question then is: what legacy do we leave behind? For Gold Fields, together with our host communities, that legacy is health. We want to build strong facilities, support motivated health professionals, and promote preventive healthcare. That way, even long after mining, people will say Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley are places you can go to for quality healthcare.”
He, however, emphasized the importance of maintaining the donated equipment to ensure sustainability.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
