THE Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama on Monday commissioned five new ultra-modern polyclinics for five towns in the Northern Region, but cautioned health authorities to ensure that these investments do not become victims of the poor maintenance culture of Ghanaians.
According to him, the country had on countless occasions inaugurated such huge projects, only for these projects to deteriorate in due time due to the failure of authorities to adhere strictly to a maintenance plan for these projects.
“This time around, we must tell a different story with these new projects. I have been told there is a maintenance plan in place and, therefore, it should be followed strictly to protect these investments,” he stated.
A symbolic commissioning ceremony took place at the Janga clinic in the West Mamprusi district to signify the opening of the five polyclinics, with the other four located in Chereponi, Kpandai, Karaga and Tatale.
The construction of the five clinics, which commenced in March, 2009 and completed in July, 2010, was undertaken by the Ministry of Health with financial assistance from the government of Austria at an estimated cost of 7.6m Euros.
Each of these clinics comprises several units that include a 15-bed ward for male, female, paediatric and delivery, five treatment wards, pharmacy and dispensary, laboratory and laundry, as well as a special unit for mother and child health promotion.
It is envisaged that the operation of these new clinics would provide access to quality healthcare delivery for people living in and around these towns.
It is also expected to strengthen the countries’ drive towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on maternal and child health, particularly safe delivery, immunisation, and the integrated management of childhood illness.
The Vice President noted that these projects were a manifestation of the governments’ commitment to creating a decent environment for healthcare delivery by putting in place robust infrastructure for the health sector.
He said the government was also working towards providing health professionals to man these new facilities and gave the assurance that a medical doctor would assume duty at the Janga clinic in April this year.
The Minister of Health, Mr Joseph Yileh Chireh noted that the country had made significant progress in the control of communicable diseases, but added that the challenge now was how to address non-communicable diseases that are generated by poor lifestyles.
He therefore cautioned the people to shun excessive alcohol intake, tobacco smoking and other unhealthy lifestyles, noting that the provision of health facilities and professionals was not enough to guarantee one’s good health.
The health minister again noted that the government had instituted measures to address the problem of health professionals refusing postings to rural areas.
“The government’s policy has been designed in favour of health professionals who serve in rural areas,” he mentioned, adding that these professionals would be given incentives, such as further training and promotion.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba said the provision of the new clinics would improve health delivery in the region especially in the reduction of maternal and child mortality.
Other functionaries who graced the ceremony included the Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, some deputy ministers, party functionaries and heads of institutions.
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