The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has launched a public appeal to raise GH¢3 million for the establishment of the first-ever Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Takoradi Hospital.
With a population of over one million people, the Western Region has for years lacked an ICU — a major gap in its healthcare system.
Patients in need of intensive care are often transferred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital or facilities in other parts of the country, a situation that has tragically cost lives due to delays.
An ICU is a vital unit in any hospital. It provides specialized care and equipment for patients in life-threatening conditions, often making the difference between life and death while reducing the need for risky referrals.
To show leadership, Nelson pledged GH¢100,000 of his own resources toward the project. Announcing this at a press briefing in Sekondi, he explained:
“Healthcare is universal. Everybody needs it. I’ve taken the charge because I’m the leader in this region, and I felt I should lead for all of us to contribute. This is not about me; it’s about what we must provide for the people. From Asankragwa all the way to Wassa East, anybody can access it. I call on corporate Ghana and all who are able to contribute — it’s our responsibility.”
The Medical Superintendent of Takoradi Hospital, Dr. George Peprah, also emphasized the urgency of the facility:
“The ICU is a very important unit. It’s where we keep critically ill patients — those who cannot breathe on their own, stroke patients, or those with organ failure. If you place such patients on a general ward, the probability of losing them increases. The ICU gives them one-to-one monitoring, specialized machines like ventilators, and a real chance of survival.”
All 14 Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Western Region have pledged GH¢10,000 each toward the project. The call is now open to benevolent individuals and institutions to support the initiative.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
