The University Hospital of C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) in Navrongo, in the Upper East Region, on May 25, 2024, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of an Early Cancer Detection and Research Centre.
The event was a collaborative effort spearheaded by Partners for Patients NGO (PFP.NGO) Switzerland, in partnership with the Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, the Pan African Parliament, the Parliament of Ghana, and several prestigious medical and academic institutions.
According to Dr. Mimi Choon-Quinones, PFP.NGO Founder & Chairwoman, the volunteer-based and self-funded organization has been dedicated to improving healthcare access since 1990. Over the past three decades, it has impacted over 125,000 patients and families and trained more than 3,400 physicians.
The inauguration ceremony brought together a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, parliamentarians, and representatives from international and local organizations.
Prof. Samson Abagale, Pro Vice-Chancellor of CKT-UTAS, welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the significance of the partnership, particularly crediting Mr. Kenneth Akibate for his pivotal role in establishing this collaboration.
The Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, Pe Denis Belinia Aniakwa Adda Asapare II, expressed his delight at the establishment of the Centre and pledged the Traditional Council’s support for PFP.NGO’s programs. He emphasized the importance of early breast cancer screening for effective treatment.
Roche Ghana, represented by its General Manager, Dr. Kgothatso Motumi, was among the notable sponsors at the event. Dr. Motumi reaffirmed Roche’s commitment to supporting PFP.NGO’s vision of establishing a comprehensive cancer research and treatment center.
Dr. Abdul Rashed Timtoni Iddrisu, the only oncologist at the Tamale Teaching Hospital’s Cancer Centre, stressed the critical need for early cancer detection. He noted the alarming trend of late-stage cancer diagnoses in northern Ghana and commended PFP.NGO’s efforts.
Dr. Mimi Choon-Quinones, PFP.NGO Founder & Chairwoman, along with volunteers, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners and sponsors. The team also installed a telemedicine unit to facilitate remote consultations, significantly enhancing the Centre’s service capabilities.
The new Centre, the first of its kind in the Upper East Region, aims to improve early cancer detection and treatment, starting with breast cancer and expanding to cervical and liver cancers. The inauguration marks a pivotal moment for cancer care in northern Ghana, bringing advanced medical care and hope to the community.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|
