Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere (in suit), interacting with Dr. Isaac Koranteng (middle) and his team at the project site
The Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, accompanied by his management team, conducted a site tour to assess the progress of ongoing projects within the hospital.
The Ag. CEO and his team kicked off their tour with a visit to the maternity ward, where they inspected the ongoing project.
According to the Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Isaac Koranteng, the maternity ward building, despite its age, has a strong foundation due to its robust pillars and beams. However, its exterior has deteriorated over time, and after considering options, including constructing a new building, they decided to renovate the existing structure in collaboration with the CEO and relevant authorities, due to the challenge of securing a suitable plot of land.
“We have been assured that the assessment and renovation will be completed on schedule, and it is expected to be completed within six months. Despite the ongoing work, our patient care and activities will continue uninterrupted, as the renovation is primarily external,” he added.
Dr. Owusu-Sekyere reiterated that, the project commenced two months ago and has made significant progress, completing approximately 80% of the work.
“Due to changes in circumstances, we are investing in refurbishing the existing building. The initial renovation cost was estimated at GH¢3.5 million, but with additional requirements, the total cost is now expected to range from GH¢4 million to GH¢5 million,” he disclosed.
Notably, he stated that, they are also procuring three new lifts, one for each of the main, surgical, and medical blocks. This upgrade aims to resolve the recurring issue of lift breakdowns. The manufacturers estimate a minimum of three months for specifications, five weeks for delivery, and two weeks for installation.
“A partnership has been established to fund the installation of three new lifts. Initially, the donated funds were earmarked for dialysis machines, but with the government’s provision of 30 dialysis machines, we engaged in discussions with our partners and mutually agreed to redirect the funds to upgrade the hospital’s lift system,” he indicated.
Also, a tour visit was made at the Oxygen Plant, where the Ag. CEO said, apparently, to highlight the difference between the piping system’s limitations and the capabilities of the cylinders, they have utilised a manifold system. This manifold is connected to various wards throughout the hospital. Oxygen cylinders are filled and connected to the manifold, which enables the distribution of Oxygen to the respective wards.
He disclosed that, the Oxygen Plant with the capacity of 80 Newton metre cubic per hour was donated by the Ministry of Health.
He emphasised that, one of the challenges they face is the frequent power fluctuations in their system. Periodically, a sudden power surge occurs, causing equipment failure and resulting in a significant shortage of Oxygen.
He stressed that, the team visit to Korle Bu is part of their routine rounds to address Oxygen supply challenges, which often attract media attention, and assured the public that Korle Bu has an Oxygen Plant, which, despite occasional challenges, can provide a reliable Oxygen supply with proper maintenance.
“A private Oxygen Plant is being integrated to supplement our existing supply, however, its implementation has been hindered by the theft of copper pipes,” he disclosed.
He explained that, repairs are nearing completion, with testing underway to ensure no leakage, and once completed, the entrance and exit will be secured to prevent theft, “this will pave the way for the second Oxygen Plant, part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, to come online.”
Other site visits were conducted to monitor progress on various projects. The sites visited included: the SSNIT flat residential area, where construction of the perimeter wall is currently underway, Ward H (Orthopaedics Ward), and Ward E.
By Janet Odei Amponsah