Takoradi: MTN Ghana is refurbishing about 500 worn-out hospital beds at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region. The repairs aim to ensure that the hospital, a major referral center, can retain critically ill or emergency cases to prevent avoidable deaths.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project is part of MTN's 21 Days of Y'ello Care initiative and was officially handed over to a contractor during a brief ceremony at the hospital. Mr. Prince Owusu Nyarko, the South West Senior Manager of MTN, highlighted the 'No Bed Syndrome' in hospitals as a significant setback in quality healthcare delivery, necessitating urgent action to address this issue.
Mr. Nyarko emphasized the painful reality many families face due to the 'No Bed Syndrome,' with scenarios such as pregnant women being turned away, accident victims being moved between facilities, and patients waiting in non-ideal conditions due to overwhelmed hospitals. He stated that MTN would also conduct public health campaigns focusing on non-communicable diseases, known as 'silent killers,' to encourage better lifestyle management as part of the Mahama Cares Initiative.
Furthermore, MTN plans to improve WASH facilities in schools across the Western, Western North, and Central regions and train Health Champions to continue the work. Mr. Michael Danso, Administrator of Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, described MTN Ghana's support as timely, noting that bed availability directly impacts quality and equitable care, enhancing service delivery.
Mr. Matthew Bentho, Operations Director of Sika P3 Edwuma Company Limited, the contractor, assured that the refurbishment would be completed on schedule to ensure patients receive care with dignity.