Accra: Thousands of kidney patients in northern Ghana are poised to benefit from local dialysis treatment following the commissioning of an expanded dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital. This significant development aims to provide much-needed healthcare services closer to home for residents across several regions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the GHS4 million facility was inaugurated by Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, in collaboration with Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other development partners. A statement from the Parliamentary Service highlighted the addition of six dialysis machines, ancillary equipment, and staff training support as part of the expansion.
The facility is expected to serve patients from the Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, North East, and Bono Regions, as well as other communities across the northern corridor. Previously, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in these areas faced long journeys to Accra and Kumasi for dialysis services, leading to significant transportation expenses and extended waiting times.
Commissioning the facility, Mr. Bagbin emphasized the project's role in enhancing healthcare equity and reducing geographical barriers to specialist care. He articulated the need for quality healthcare access for all, regardless of location, as a fundamental right for the people of the Upper West region.
The statement underscored the global challenge posed by chronic kidney disease, citing World Health Organisation (WHO) data that estimates 674 million people worldwide are affected, with many residing in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, CKD claims over 4,000 lives annually, with limited access to dialysis machines exacerbating the situation.
Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, expressed that the project aligns with the Government's decentralization efforts to improve healthcare access across regions. He noted the importance of partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery and building a resilient health system.
Dr. Sylvie Anie, Board Director of SHEILD, described the expanded unit as a beacon of hope for patients and families who previously struggled to access specialized kidney care. Dr. John Nkrumah Mills, another Board Director of SHEILD, highlighted the importance of investment in people and systems for achieving sustainable healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Philip K. K. Baabiineh, Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, committed to ongoing staff capacity building and equipment maintenance to ensure the sustainability of services. The commissioning ceremony saw attendance from government officials, traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, development partners, health professionals, and community representatives.