Accra: President John Dramani Mahama announced that the government, through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), has begun constructing Catheterisation Laboratories (Cath Labs) at the nation's three major teaching hospitals to treat cardiovascular patients. These hospitals include the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, and the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
According to Ghana News Agency, a Cath Lab is a specialised hospital examination room equipped with advanced imaging technology to visualise and treat heart and vascular conditions, such as blocked arteries or abnormal rhythms, using minimally invasive techniques. President Mahama disclosed this initiative during his address at the commissioning of the state-of-the-art Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scan for cancer diagnosis and treatment at the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC) in Accra.
The PET-CT scan is an advanced imaging test that combines metabolic and structural information to accurately diagnose and monitor diseases like cancer. The SGMC, a leading cancer care provider in West Africa, was acquired by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in 2020.
President Mahama highlighted the impact of the new Catheterisation Laboratories, stating, "These labs will improve the diagnosis and treatments of cardiovascular conditions in the south, center, and northern parts of our country." Additionally, he announced that a new Cardiothoracic Centre is being built at the Tamale Teaching Hospital to reduce the need for heart disease patients to travel to Kumasi and Accra for treatment.
Further plans include the construction of new Cardiothoracic Centres at the Volta Regional Hospital and the Cape Coast Hospital to serve patients in the eastern and western parts of the country. The President also mentioned the commencement of procurement processes for the construction of three new regional hospitals in newly created regions, promising enhanced healthcare outcomes.
President Mahama commended the leadership of GNAT for their visionary initiative in establishing the PET-CT Scan, noting that GNAT's commitment extends beyond advocacy and labour concerns to encompass the health and well-being of teachers. He emphasized, "This investment sends a powerful message that the health of our teachers is directly linked to the health and future of our nation."
The President also praised the SGMC as an example of successful strategic partnerships and urged the private sector to invest in advanced medical care facilities to support the Government's efforts to position Ghana as a center for medical tourism.