53 health facilities left to rot as coronavirus bites

The Coalition of NGOs in Health has identified 53 health facilities nationwide that the government has abandoned as the battle against coronavirus continues.

“As at 12 noon, my regional representatives are able to give me at least 53 health facilities either completed and not commissioned or abandoned halfway,” the Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs, Dr Gabriel Bernaku, bemoaned.

Ghana has recorded 2, 074 with 17 deaths, and President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced a huge investment in health facilities as the cases keep rising.

A total of 212 patients have recovered from the infection, representing one recovery to five cases presently.

Mr Akufo-Addo promised some 88 district facilities to be completed within a year and an additional six regional hospitals.

But critics have questioned the rationale for abandoning over 50 health facilities only to announce fresh ones three years into the tenure of the current administration.

Dr Benarku, who was speaking in an interview on Joy FM Wednesday, was quick to add that: “The Coalition of NGOs in Health is not against government adding the 88 health facilities to the existing ones. We have been very clear from day-one since 2017 that government should add, as stipulated in their manifesto, so if they want to do more, so be it.”

He said the existing facilities need regular renovation as new health facilities were established simultaneously to cater for the health needs of the public.

Former President John Dramani Mahama has been vocal on infrastructure projects shelved by the current administration after inheriting the facilities from the previous administration.

In a Facebook live in January 2020, he listed the University of Ghana Medical Center (now a treatment facility for diplomats infected by the coronavirus), the Upper West Regional Hospital, the Bank hospital, International Maritime Hospital as major health facilities neglected by the government.

He also listed hospitals in Fomena, Kumawu, Abetifi, Bekwai, Tepa, Bolga as critical health infrastructure that has been left idle.

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