Kwaku Agyeman-Manu – Minister of Health
In the bustling municipality of Weija-Gbawe, a suburb of Accra, a fervent plea echoes through the community. With over 400,000 inhabitants, this vibrant and populous area finds itself grappling with an unprecedented strain on its healthcare.
In a heartfelt appeal, the residents are urging the government to heed their call for a much-needed polyclinic that could be the lifeline their community so desperately needs.
Presently, Weija-Gbawe heavily relies on a solitary main hospital located in the heart of Weija, tasked with shouldering the immense burden of all medical, maternity, and surgical cases in the area. Although it has been a steadfast pillar of support, it is now pushed to its limits as the swelling population strains its capacity.
Additionally, two health centers in Obologo and Mallam, along with a handful of CHIPS compounds catering to minor health issues, are struggling to keep pace with the surging demands.
The consequences of these limitations are far-reaching, with numerous patients being redirected to the already overwhelmed municipal hospital. As the queues grow longer and the pressure mounts, the dedicated healthcare professionals grapple with the challenge of delivering top-notch care amid these trying circumstances.
“The quality of healthcare has been significantly affected,” lamented one resident, “Our doctors and nurses are doing their best, but they are stretched to their limits. We urgently need a solution.”
The necessity for a polyclinic cannot be over emphasised. Such a facility would not only relieve the burden on the main municipal hospital but also alleviate the pressure on the existing health centers, enabling them to offer better care to patients with minor health issues. An anonymous staff member from one of the health centers revealed says, “We handle around 10,000 cases annually, which exceeds our capacity”.
Residents believe that such a facility would not only enhance the overall healthcare system but also improve the community’s access to medical services, particularly for those who currently face challenges due to the limited capacity of existing health centers.
The plea of the Weija-Gbawe community resonates with a sense of urgency, as they call upon the government to prioritize their wellbeing and allocate resources towards the establishment of a polyclinic. In doing so, the government would not only be responding to a pressing need but also reaffirming its commitment to community health.
By Keren Happuch Nkansah (kerenhappuchnkansah@gmail.com)