AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has inaugurated a 20-bed fully resourced Communicable Diseases Unit for the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality at the Apinto Government Hospital.
The facility, which was refurbished at the cost of GH₵300,000, will serve as an isolation centre for managing COVID-19 cases in the municipality.
The project covered the provision of washrooms, improvement in ventilation within the block to prevent cross-infection, and expansion of rooms for the comfort of patients and healthcare workers.
The Mine further used the occasion to present assorted essential medical supplies valued at about GH₵1.2 million to help fight against COVID-19 in the municipality. Among the items donated were: 100 beds, 30 monitors, 80 drip stands, 3 ventilators, 30 infrared thermometers, 20 air conditioners, Hydroxychloroquine, Dexamethasone, Anticoagulants, Antibiotics (intravenous) and Immune boosters.
In his speech, the Managing Director of Iduapriem Mine, Samuel Boakye Pobee, emphasized the need for residents to abide by the COVID-19 safety protocols to prevent further spread in the municipality.
He mentioned that in line with the company’s emergency response plan, there had been several interventions, including donations of PPEs and medical equipment to high-risk areas even before the support for an Isolation Center.
Mr. Pobee, reiterated the Mine’s commitment to working actively to mitigate health risks in the workplace and respond to community health issues in the areas where it operates.
On his part, Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Hon. Benjamin Kessie commended the Mine for the timely intervention, given the scarce resources available for managing COVID-19 cases in the municipality. He appealed to residents to observe all safety protocols for COVID-19 to prevent further spread of the Coronavirus in the municipality.
The Municipal Health Director, Caroline Effah Otoo, was grateful to the Mine for the generous response and immense contributions, over the years, towards providing quality healthcare in the Municipality. She gave a firm assurance that the facility will be put to good use in the fight against COVID-19 and beyond.
