Work is to begin soon on the abandoned Maternal and Child Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Negotiations for the completion of the 42 year old project are almost complete.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah disclosed this at the annual thanksgiving, staff reception and awards of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
Construction of the abandoned Mother and Child Unit block for the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, which is the second largest hospital in the country, started in 1974 during the Acheampong regime.
The project, which is expected to cost over Seventy million dollars to complete has been abandoned by successive governments and has resulted in needless deaths of pregnant women and babies.
Recently, the first lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo appealed for funds to construct a new mother and baby unit for the facility. Before then, about four babies died at the old congested facility daily, while women in labour had to queue for surgery because there were only two surgical beds at the maternity unit, resulting in about 100 deaths a year.
Speaking at the annual thanksgiving, staff reception and awards this year, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah disclosed that government is almost done with securing funds for the completion of the project.
He said construction work could begin by the middle of the year to enhance health care delivery. Mr. Osei Mensah said the facility which is serving over four regions in the country, as well as some neighbouring countries needs to be completed to improve neo natal and quality maternal care.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Health, Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang called on staff of the hospital to strive to acquire additional knowledge and skills and lead lives above reproach.
He said with these attributes, personnel of the hospital can discharge their duties effectively. The Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso said the hospital last year witnessed some developments in infrastructure and equipment base, which helped to improve service delivery.
Seventeen staff of the hospital, including the Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr. Baffour Awuah were honoured for their long service, outstanding performance and dedication.
