The newly-refurbished 420-bed Greater Accra Regional Hospital has been opened by President John Mahama.
The $250m EXIM Bank USA and HSBC-funded health facility spans a total of about 15.65 acres, and is expected to serve an estimated population of over five million.
The facility will also serve as a clinical training site for students from various institutions such as nursing training institutions, radiology institutions and physiotherapy schools.
The hospital also has an accommodation for critical and emergency staff, house officers and trainees for easy movement to the hospital.
President Mahama, giving his inaugural address, expressed his delight at the inauguration of the first phase of the hospital after three and half years of construction.
“The dream of having a modern hospital was on top of my agenda and I am personally gratified that finally phase 1 of this laudable dream has become a reality,” he said.
The president mentioned that the new structure would address the huge problem of child and maternal health by providing adequate space and modern equipment to ensure proper services.
He said the facility has been expanded tremendously to meet the needs of the growing populace and as phase 2 comes on board in the ensuing year, all the out-patient clinics will be developed for Ridge to have a total hospital.
“I make a firm promise to you that in 24 months from now, the phase two will be completed to make this facility we are outdooring today very complete,” he announced.
Dr Thomas Anaba, Medical Director of Ridge Regional Hospital, in his welcome address, acknowledged the many benefits the new building adds to the hospital’s activities.
He, however, assured that “management has taken a number of strategic initiatives to ensure smooth and efficient running of this new hospital.”
Dr Anaba stated that the hospital management has developed a pricing model for the hospital, a standard operation policy and protocols document to serve as reference document for conducting clinical and administrative affairs in the hospital.
The hospital can boast of facilities such as a maternity centre consisting of antenatal clinic, female ward, post-natal ward and labour ward, the child health and neonatal intensive care unit comprising of four wards with no consulting rooms and also sanitary facilities for the medical staff.
The hospital also has a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment block, medical support including pharmacy, laboratory, central sterilisation, logistical support namely kitchen laundry workshop, central stores, technical rooms, a crèche and changing room.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri