The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has presented a cheque for GH¢50,000 to the 37 Military Hospital’s Burns Unit at a ceremony in Accra.

The amount is in fulfilment of the CBOD’s pledge to victims of the Atomic Gas Explosion.

Presenting the cheque, Mr Kwesi Senyo Hosi, the Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, said the money was also to help equip the hospital to offer the needed support to the victims, some of whom were still on admission.

Mr Hosi said; “Units like the Burns Unit require a lot of supports to be able to help the citizens who are in dire need of medical assistance.”

“Losing your skin, which is your largest organ, makes you lose your life, dignity and even your ability to earn an income.

“The Burns Unit is doing so much to bring life to burnt victims’ lives and it is a good course to be supported,” he said.

Mr Hosi recounted that visiting the Unit and seeing what people were going through made “you realise you are absolutely a nobody, and it is important we avoid circumstances like this.”

The Chief Executive Officer said he was very passionate about the irresponsibility on the part of some industry players adding; “I think people must be dealt with, victims must be well compensated, and institutions like the Burn Unit must be well resourced.”

He said it was proper that sanctions should be taken by authorities so that victims did not suffer twice.

“People lose their lives because of the absence of certain measures that ought to be put in place,” Mr Hosi said.

Mr Hosi said most investments ought to be injected into the industry to avert these explosions adding; “If we try to hold people accountable the necessary steps will be taken to avert these disasters.”

Brigadier General Yeboah Agyapong, the Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, who received the cheque on behalf of the Unit, recounted how helpful the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors had been to the Unit when victims of the Atomic Gas Explosion were brought there. He said about six of the patients were still at the hospital, adding; “We are happy that you fulfilled your promise to come back.”

“This donation shall be used to buy some needed items for the patients; we want to assure the company that this money will be used for its purpose,” he added.

Brigadier Agyapong called on other institutions to come to the aid of the Burns Unit noting that catering for victims at the Unit is very expensive.