By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
The Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKAP), an initiative to renovate and modernise the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has successfully raised 40 percent of its US$10million goal.
This milestone was announced by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, during the hospital’s ‘2024 Mid-Year Performance Review Conference’ in Kumasi, where he praised the efforts of all involved – particularly the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his leadership in driving the project forward.
Prof. Addai-Mensah noted that this project marks the first comprehensive update of the hospital’s facilities since its establishment in 1954. HeKAP focuses on modernising several wards and infrastructure at KATH, with significant progress already made on Wards ‘A3’, ‘A4’ and ‘A5’ in Block A.
This follows the successful repair and restoration of the entire concrete roof of A, B, C and D blocks, which has stopped the perennial leakage of water into the wards whenever it rained.
Other accomplishments
During his address, Prof. Addai-Mensah outlined several key accomplishments during the review period. These include successful renovation of the hospital’s Physiotherapy Centre and Laundry Unit at a combined cost of over GH₵ 2.6million.
Additionally, the hospital’s Dialysis Centre has been revitalised, expanding from two machines to seven.
“The additional machines include acquiring three new ones that were procured at the cost of Gh₵1.6m from the hospital’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF). Two refurbished ones were also donated by the Springfield Group, which has promised to donate three more.
The above investment and donation from the Springfield Group, coupled with a recent announcement of free dialysis packages by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has helped to almost quadruple the number of dialysis sessions provided by the hospital,” he mentioned.
He further highlighted the hospital’s dire need of at least 25 more dialysis machines to be able to meet the needs of patients.
“From about 80 sessions per month, the Dialysis Centre at the hospital is recording over 300 sessions per month at the moment. The hospital has almost completed renovating its old Dialysis Centre and will need about 25 new dialysis machines to fully stock its two centres and enable it to conveniently meet growing demand for the service. At the moment, demand is so high that engineers are not able to service the machines as expected because they are constantly in use,” he said.
Other major developments at the hospital include near-completion of a state-of-the-art Cleft Centre, funded by Smile Train through the Ghana Cleft Foundation; and establishing a new 24-hour Laboratory at the Family Medicine block, alongside an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre. These facilities, according to the CEO, will significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to deliver specialised healthcare services.
Looking ahead, Prof. Addai-Mensah announced plans for a US$25million Pharmacy Complex, set to begin construction soon. This complex will provide specialised pharmaceutical services and training, further expanding KATH’s capabilities.
As KATH continues to play a crucial role in providing tertiary healthcare to the middle and northern regions of Ghana, Prof. Addai-Mensah urged the public and corporate entities to continue their support.
He emphasised the need for ongoing dedication to patient-centred care, calling on all involved to adopt strategies that will further enhance the hospital’s performance in the months ahead.
