KATH begins operations at new GH¢1.6m eye centre
The newly completed GH¢1.6 million state-of-the-art Eye Centre at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has begun operations.
It was built to provide world class ophthalmic services.
The 50-bed facility, constructed with financial support from the Himalayan Cataract Project of the US, would also serve as training centre for ophthalmologists in the West Africa sub-region.
Professor Ohene Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of KATH, announced this at a mid-year performance review meeting of the hospital in Kumasi.
He said nearly $1 million worth of equipment has been supplied by the Himalayan Cataract Project, the United States Agency for International Development and the Church of the Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints – partners of the project, for the smooth operation of the Centre.
Prof Ohene Adjei outlined the crippling effect of the recent industrial action by doctors and pharmacists on the hospital’s finances and service delivery.
He said targets set for the half-year in the areas of deliveries, admissions, emergency cases, surgical operations, physiotherapy, diagnostic services, blood screening and specialist Out- Patient Department cases could not be met because of the strike.
He said as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency, the medical centre is rolling out a Hospital Administration and Management Software system.
A new oxygen plant would also be installed by the end of August.
The new plant would have a production capacity of 32 cubic metres a day, twice the ability of the existing plant.
Prof Ohene Adjei told the meeting that GH¢468,410.39 has been invested in the procurement of new equipment including baby warmers, biopsy forceps, flexible cystoscope sets, endoscopic cameras, laparoscopy instruments, mobile ultrasound machines and infusion pumps among other equipment to enhance surgical operations at the hospital.
He expressed worry about erratic water supply despite the significant expansion of reservoirs at the facility, which has increased storage capacity from 81,000 gallons to 121,000 gallons.
He appealed to the Ministry of Health, private institutions and individuals to assist the hospital to acquire water tankers to make things better.
He reminded the health professionals to commit themselves to peaceful resolution of disputes to avoid disruption of services to patients
Source: GNA