TEERE, a local Non-Governmental Organization has donated assorted medical equipment to Bongo district hospital in the Upper East Region. The non-drugs consumables which can sustain the hospital for about a year include syringes, needles, and cannulas.
The donation came as a result of concerns raised with regards to lack of health facilities and inadequate wards of the hospital to accommodate patients during the first local governance forum organized by the NGO in Bongo district.
Chief Executive Officer of TEERE, Professor, Ephraim Avea Nsoh stated that the donation which costs the NGO and its partners in Germany GHc175,000 forms part of the NGO’s corporate social responsibilities.
The hospital currently accommodates children and adults in the same ward, a congested situation and contrary to health best practice. But Prof. Avea stated that TEERE and its partners are dedicated to pull resources to fix the current challenge.
“We made an estimate and sent to them [partners] and we decided to ask for the source of funding. We have had part of it to try and fix the children’s ward”
Pledging the NGO’s unflinching support to the district, Prof. Avea emphasized the need for effective collaboration from other stakeholders working in the district and beyond.
Prof. Avea thanked partners of TEERE, including International Children’s Health, Gerhard Lauth, Mr. Knapp, Dr. Kindermann and other volunteers for the support given the NGO and the district.
Medical Superintendent of Bongo district hospital, Dr. William Gudu extolled TEERE for the gesture shown the hospital in its numerous health needs.
“I want to seize this opportunity and thank TEERE so much. They showed interest in our main problem so far, as the kids ward is concern and they have indicated they will try their best and assist us when the children ward is completed”
Dr. Gudu on behalf of staff of the hospital pledged to use the items for its purposes “so that the community members will benefit from it”
The medical superintendent also called for support from other benevolent individuals and organizations to assist the hospital “so that Bongo hospital will be able to effectively assist the poor Bongo community”
The hospital was converted from a health center to a district hospital in 1996 without much infrastructure added. The hospital gets referral from 6 other health centers to serve the growing population of people within and outside the district. But in what could be a solution to the numerous challenges facing the hospital, Naba Baba Salifu, Paramount Chief of Bongo Traditional Area believes a newly constructed hospital for the district will help eliminate the many the many health challenges faced the district. According to Naba Baba Salifu a site has been earmarked for construction of a hospital which will befit the status of the district.
The chief applauded TEERE for its support in empowering citizens to demand accountability from duty bearers.
“People see TEERE as a more oriented development organization than an advocacy that is only out to look at issues and then spell them out for other organizations; you do not only support the Bongo district but I understand you are operating in other areas in the BONABOTO catchment area”
By: Joshua Asaah|A1radioonline.com|Ghana
