KATH moves to improve energy supply
The management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has taken steps to boost its energy supply through the use of solar power.
It has already installed a 42 kilowatt solar power system to provide uninterrupted power supply to its eye clinic.
This was done with support from the Himalayan Cataract Project and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Dr. Joseph Akpaloo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), made this known at an end of year performance review meeting of the nation’s second largest referral facility, in Kumasi.
He spoke of plans to seek further assistance from other development partners to install additional solar power systems as part of the drive to achieve energy security.
He told the meeting that the hospital was improving its infrastructure, citing the phase two of the mortuary expansion project, renovation of the main theatre block and the dental clinic.
The projects were implemented at a total cost of GH¢774,469.59.
Dr. Akpaloo said it also spent GH¢2 million from internally generated funds to purchase vital equipment for efficient service delivery.
These included mobile operating lamps, two operating tables for the ‘A1’ theatre, craniotomy sets for the neurosurgery unit, suction machines, dual head theatre lamps, patient monitors and electronic power drill and accessories for the trauma and orthopedics directorate.
He put the amount spent on staff training and development during the period at GH¢2,273,377.04.
Dr. Akpaloo renewed the appeal to the government to install a new oxygen plant at the facility, pointing out that, it required between 150 and 200 cylinders of oxygen a day.
This translates to an expenditure of about GH¢300,000 every month.
He reminded the heads of the various units to device appropriate strategies to improve performance and enhance the quality of service to patients.
Source: GNA