Dzodze: The Management of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School (DZOSEC) has appealed to the Ketu North Municipal Health Director to facilitate the provision of a 24-hour healthcare service at the school's infirmary. This measure is considered an interim solution in anticipation of the Government's nationwide 24-hour economy agenda.
According to Ghana News Agency, the management proposed a single work schedule operating three shifts for three personnel to ensure prompt medical response and safeguard the health and safety of students and staff. This approach aims to ensure the effective and sustainable use of the infirmary. The appeal was made by the Assistant Headmaster (Administration), Rev. Fr. David Allan Ankrah, during the commissioning and handover of the infirmary by Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North.
Rev. Fr. Ankrah described the infirmary project as a testament to perseverance, stakeholder collaboration, and the commitment of well-meaning individuals to the welfare of the school community. He emphasized that its full operation would eliminate the distressing practice of transporting sick students on motorbikes to town health facilities and curb the misuse of exeats by students who previously left campus under the pretext of seeking medical care.
Rev. Fr. Ankrah further stated that with reliable healthcare now available on campus, the infirmary would ensure prompt, safe, and supervised medical attention, enhancing student welfare, discipline, and campus security. He commended the MP's personal commitment to the facility, noting a recent discussion in which Mr. Agbana agreed to support the provision of a television set and a refrigerator for storing medicines.
In response, Alhaji Sumaila Gariba, the Ketu North Municipal Health Director, acknowledged the request and explained that health facilities are mandated to operate 24-hour services, though staffing constraints have hindered full implementation. He noted that for the past three to four years, there has been no major recruitment in the health sector, despite the availability of trained personnel.
Alhaji Gariba expressed optimism that the government's planned recruitment drive would boost staffing levels, enabling facilities such as the DZOSEC infirmary to operate around the clock. He disclosed that the municipality currently has only four physician assistants, far below the required minimum of 15 needed to effectively upgrade facilities to clinic status.
He assured that with the current nature of the facility, it qualifies for clinic status, but this will depend on the availability of adequate staff, including a resident physician assistant. He thanked all stakeholders for their collective efforts in strengthening healthcare delivery within the school and the municipality.