The much-talked about University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has finally been opened as Ghana’s first Quaternary centre.
The 650 bed health facility was opened to the public today, July 18, 2018 . The hospital hitherto has remained shut since the inauguration of the first phase 18 months ago by the John Mahama administration.
According to Starr News’ Regina Borle Bortey who witnessed the opening, the facility is impressive and “will impress you if you visited”.
She added that staff of the facility, including nurses are at work and are testing the equipment.
The interim head of the committee that worked on the opening of the hospital Dr. Asamoah Baidoo said the hospital will provide a conducive atmosphere for patients.
“We will provide an atmosphere with the right kind of health professionals with the right attitude. The atmosphere will be conducive for patients and visitors alike,” he told the media.
In the meantime, the facility will only attend to referral cases.
Government has been severely criticized for the delay in opening the multi-million dollar hospital.
Meanwhile, Parliament has by unanimous decision approved a loan amount of €47,163,000 for expansion works (Phase II) on the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC).
This follows the approval and subsequent adoption of the report of the Finance Committee on ASHRA Export Credit Facility agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Bank of Hapoalim B. M. for an amount of up to €40,643,000.00 and a Tied Commercial facility agreement in the amount of €6,520,000.00 between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and Bank of Hapoalim B. M.
Kasapafmonline.com understands that Phase II of the project which is expected to be funded under these agreements will focus on the strategic income generating services for short, medium and long-term sustainability of the hospital including a technical assistance package.
The first Phase of the teaching and quaternary level hospital cost US$217million and was practically completed in 2017.
The project will also target new clinical services and medical interventions that will give the health facility a competitive edge over others in the country as well as the sub-region.
The services include a nephrology unit, facilities for cardiothoracic and neurosurgery, facilities for Assisted Reproductive Technology, additional VIP wards for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Internal Medicine and Surgery with additional specialized medical equipment and the provision of drug and non-drug consumables.
