Accra: The Greater Accra Regional Hospital, commonly known as Ridge Hospital, currently serves as one of Ghana's key referral health facilities. However, the hospital is experiencing significant strain due to increased patient volume and limited resources, highlighting the urgent need for its Phase Two expansion.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Leslie Issa Adam-Zakariah, the Medical Director of Ridge Hospital, expressed concerns over the challenges posed by high patient numbers, inadequate infrastructure, and staff attrition. In an interview, Dr. Adam-Zakariah emphasized the critical need for donor support to ensure the hospital's long-awaited Phase Two expansion, which he describes as essential.
Originally built to cater to a specific population within the Greater Accra Region, Ridge Hospital is now operating beyond its capacity. The Outpatient Department alone sees over 600 patients daily, while the emergency unit, designed for 20 beds, handles over 80 cases each day, putting immense pressure on the hospital's infrastructure and staff.
Dr. Adam-Zakariah highlighted that Ridge Hospital often absorbs overflow from other facilities, increasing the demand for emergency and specialist care. He also pointed out the urgent need for staff accommodation to improve efficiency and morale. Many health workers commute long distances, leading to fatigue and affecting their ability to respond promptly to emergencies.
The proposed Phase Two expansion aims to alleviate these pressures by increasing clinical space and improving patient flow. Dr. Adam-Zakariah stressed that the expansion is crucial for maintaining service quality and ensuring the hospital's long-term viability.
Despite financial constraints, Ridge Hospital continues to function primarily through Internally Generated Funds, which are largely consumed by essential medical supplies and maintenance. Dr. Adam-Zakariah also noted the troubling trend of losing well-trained medical staff to opportunities abroad, which exacerbates the hospital's challenges.
In light of these issues, Dr. Adam-Zakariah called on development partners, corporate bodies, and international donors to support Ridge Hospital. He emphasized that any contributions would have a direct impact on improving emergency response, maternal care, and specialist treatment.
Dr. Adam-Zakariah remains committed to the hospital's mission, underscoring that timely investment and strategic expansion are necessary to meet the growing health demands of Ghana's capital.