Tamale: Le Mete Ghana, a non-profit organisation, and the Tamale Urology and Modern Surgical Centre (TUMSC) have jointly launched activities to mark their 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of specialised healthcare delivery and improved access to quality services in northern Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the anniversary is themed '10 Years of Compassionate Healthcare: Strengthening Partnerships for Universal Health Coverage in Northern Ghana.' The launch event was attended by health professionals, development partners, traditional authorities, community members, and government officials. Dr. Akisibadek Afoko, President of Le Mete Ghana and Medical Director of TUMSC, described the occasion as a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and partnership that have fueled the institution's growth.
Dr. Afoko elaborated on the humble beginnings of the initiative, which started with modest resources from himself and his wife, Vivian, and later received support from local and international partners, including Madam Giovanna and Mr. Giacomo Alcuri. Over the past decade, the facility has provided healthcare services to more than 80,000 patients through both in-house care and outreach programmes. What began as a small clinic has now evolved into a district hospital accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA).
In 2022, the facility expanded with the construction of a maternal and child health unit, supported by Italian partners and the Lions Club. Dr. Afoko announced plans to establish a dedicated outpatient department and diagnostic centre within the next 12 to 14 months. Dental services are set to commence next week, following the installation of modern equipment. The centre has also signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Tamale Teaching Hospital and the University for Development Studies to support clinical training and healthcare delivery.
Dr. Afoko highlighted key medical milestones, including Ghana's first locally executed laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic enucleation of the prostate. The centre has successfully handled complex cases, including surgeries on patients aged over 90 years, attracting clients from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ethiopia. Notably, a patient from Spain underwent successful surgery at the centre after living with a catheter for two years.
Despite these accomplishments, Dr. Afoko pointed out challenges such as inadequate staffing and unreliable water and electricity supply, appealing to the Ministry of Health for additional support. "This is a district hospital using the National Health Insurance Scheme and providing specialised services, yet we still struggle with staffing," he noted.
Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, praised the institution for its contribution to specialised healthcare and outreach services in the region. He addressed the ongoing disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural communities, particularly in northern Ghana where many districts lack specialists, infrastructure, and diagnostic services. Dr. Kubio identified Karaga, Saboba, Yunyoo-Nasuan, East Mamprusi, and North Gonja as areas needing sustained healthcare investment and expressed optimism for greater innovation and improved healthcare delivery in the next decade.