The Centre will position Ghana as a destination for medical tourism, offering services to patients from neighbouring nations.
President Akufo-Addo has taken a significant step towards advancing Ghana’s healthcare system by inaugurating a cutting-edge Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday, October 18, 2024. This new facility is poised to revolutionize patient care for those battling urological and nephrological conditions, offering innovative treatments that were previously inaccessible in Ghana.
The Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence, built at €38 million, was funded through a credit facility from Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International AG, with insurance provided by the OeKB Group.
Speaking at the occasion President Akufo-Addo noted that, “This state-of-the-art facility will deliver advanced treatments for patients suffering from chronic and acute kidney failure, along with other urological conditions. The Centre is also equipped to offer life-saving services like kidney transplants, contributing to our national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
With its advanced capabilities, the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence will provide critical care services, including dialysis, kidney transplants, and treatment for genito-urinary conditions. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to improving Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and advancing universal health coverage.
This development is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and other stakeholders. As Ghana continues to strive for excellence in healthcare, the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence shines as a beacon of hope for patients and medical professionals alike.
Equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, the Centre will not only serve Ghanaians but also patients from neighbouring countries, paving the way for medical tourism that would attract revenue for the Centre.
According to the President, “The Centre will position Ghana as a destination for medical tourism, offering services to patients from neighbouring nations and beyond. This will generate additional income, ensuring the facility’s sustainability and enabling the continued expansion of its services.”
The Centre’s establishment also honours the memory of three esteemed urologists – Prof J.K.M Quartey, Dr Isaac Bentsi, and Dr Benjamin Osei-Wiafe – who tragically lost their lives in 2005. Their legacy lives on through this state-of-the-art facility, which promises to enhance the country’s medical landscape.
The Akufo-Addo Government anticipates completing more healthcare projects, including 11 district hospitals and a polyclinic across the Ashanti, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Ahafo Regions by the end of 2024, as part of the government’s flagship “Agenda 111” initiative, which aims to establish district hospitals in every district currently lacking one, as well as fully operational regional hospitals in each regional capital, with a special focus on the newly created regions.
Story: Janet Ayethe
