Accra: Reverend King Foli, a survivor of sickle cell disease and the Resident Pastor of the Royal House Holy Ghost Temple, has made a significant donation to the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The donation, which marks Rev Foli's 55th birthday, includes essential medical equipment and consumables aimed at enhancing the care provided to sickle cell patients.
According to Ghana News Agency, the donation comprises hospital beds, air conditioners, stretchers, toiletries, and other consumable items. Rev Foli, who has been living with sickle cell disease for over fifty years, expressed that this gesture is an act of gratitude for his life and a demonstration of support for others battling the condition. He emphasized the importance of God's grace, proper medical care, and the dedication of healthcare professionals in his survival journey.
Studies from high-resource countries suggest that the average life expectancy for individuals with sickle cell disease ranges from 52 to 54 years. However, advancements in healthcare have allowed many to live into their sixties and beyond. Rev Foli called on individuals, organizations, and philanthropists to support sickle cell advocacy and contribute to improving healthcare services for those affected by the disease.
Madam Joycelyn Ansah Dunya, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, accepted the items on behalf of the institute. She praised Rev Foli, his family, and the Royal House Holy Ghost Temple for their ongoing advocacy and support for sickle cell patients. She noted that the donation is timely and beneficial to the facility's operations.
Despite the generous contribution, Madam Dunya pointed out the challenges faced by the institute, particularly the absence of an inpatient ward for continuous care of patients requiring admission. She explained that the facility currently operates as a day clinic and needs to transfer patients needing admission to other hospital wards after hours.
'This place is a day clinic. We operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If a patient comes and requires admission, we have to look for a bed elsewhere because we do not run a 24-hour service,' she stated. Madam Dunya appealed for support from corporate organizations, philanthropists, and benevolent individuals to help construct a dedicated ward that would allow the institute to provide round-the-clock care for sickle cell patients. 'What we are asking for is support to build a ward or facility that can operate 24 hours so that our patients can stay here comfortably until discharge,' she added.