The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has in a move to meet the healthcare needs of the people of the Upper East region, officially commissioned the rehabilitated and refurbished Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. 

The state-of-the-art facility, transformed at a cost of $52 million, is poised to serve as a beacon of hope and a centre of excellence in healthcare for the region and beyond.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of accessible quality healthcare, asserting that it is a fundamental right for every Ghanaian. 

"Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right of every citizen, and it is the responsibility of government to ensure that the exercise of this right is not just theoretical, but, more importantly, practical," the President stated. 

He stated that, the revitalized hospital is testament to his government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind in the quest for quality healthcare.

The transformation of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, which has undergone several renovations over the years, was made possible through a $20 million concessional loan from the Saudi Fund for Development, which funded the second and third phases of the project. An additional $32 million from the same fund ensured the completion of critical infrastructure, including a modern kitchen, a central sterile supply department, a mortuary block, staff accommodation, and medical equipment installations, among others.

The President acknowledged the challenges faced during the reconstruction of the project, particularly funding issues that threatened to limit its scope. 

However, through persistent efforts by the Ministry of Health, the necessary resources were secured, allowing for the comprehensive upgrade of the hospital. The result is a modern facility equipped to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region’s population.

President Akufo-Addo also took the opportunity to outline his administration’s broader healthcare agenda, including the ongoing Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to construct 111 district hospitals and regional facilities across the country. As of May 2024, work on 96 sites is actively progressing, with several expected to be completed by the end of the year.

He assured the nation of government's commitment to promoting the development of all regions, regardless of their political leanings. 

"The NPP government remains dedicated to promoting the development of this Region, even though the Region has consistently not supported our political objectives," he remarked, emphasizing that the benefits of progress will reach every corner of Ghana.

In addition to infrastructure, the President highlighted the need to address the uneven distribution of healthcare workers, particularly in rural and under-served areas. 

He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite the finalization of an incentive package to attract and retain medical professionals where they are most needed.

Still reflecting on his government’s achievements in the healthcare sector, President Akufo-Addo noted the recruitment of over 200,000 medical personnel since 2017 and the significant expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which has seen a 69% increase in active membership under his administration. He also pointed to the addition of 8,665 hospital beds across the country as a clear indication of his government’s determination to expand healthcare infrastructure.

The President concluded his address by expressing gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development for their financial support and to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital project. 

He called on the people of Bolgatanga and the Upper East Region to take ownership of the hospital, care for it, and support the health workers serving the community.

"The Akufo-Addo Government remains committed to the development and well-being of every Ghanaian. We act without bias or discrimination," he affirmed, before officially declaring the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital open for public use.

The commissioning of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital marked not just the completion of a project, but the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare delivery for the people of the Upper East Region.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah