The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in collaboration with Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), has inaugurated a GH¢4 million expanded dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa.
This facility is anticipated to enhance access to kidney treatment for thousands of patients in northern Ghana, who have historically traveled long distances to Accra and Kumasi for dialysis services. Insights into Ghanaian culture.
The expansion was realized through a partnership that included SHEILD, the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and various development partners.
The upgraded unit features six additional dialysis machines, ancillary equipment, and training support for healthcare professionals to improve the hospital’s ability to deliver specialized kidney care.
A statement released on Tuesday, August 5, indicated that the facility will cater to patients from the Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, North East, and Bono Regions, as well as other communities along the northern corridor.
Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease in northern Ghana have frequently encountered significant obstacles in accessing dialysis treatment due to the scarcity of facilities, compelling many to travel to major cities at substantial financial and emotional costs.
During the commissioning ceremony, Bagbin characterized the project as an investment in healthcare equity and a significant advancement towards diminishing geographical barriers to specialized medical care.
“For the mother praying beside the hospital bed of her child; for the father whose greatest wish is simply to remain healthy enough to provide for his family; for the young person with dreams still waiting to be fulfilled… this investment is for you,” he stated.
The Speaker emphasized that the residents of the Upper West Region are entitled to quality healthcare services, irrespective of their geographical location.
The residents of the Upper West are entitled to live with dignity. We are entitled to access quality healthcare. We are entitled to opportunities for success without being hindered by our geographical location.
