Effia Nkwanta (W/R) Sept. 5 GNA - Work at the Out-Patient-Department (OPD) of the Effia Nkwanta Hospital in the Western Region has slowed down following the strike action by members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).

A source at the hospital told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Monday that only two medical assistants were manning the OPD under a shift system.

It said all emergency cases were referred to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority Clinic (GHAPOHA) and other private clinics within the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis (SAEMA).

Most of the patients who visited the hospital but could not wait in the long queue left for other private clinics.

Mrs Mary A. Quainoo, a nursing mother who had been in the queue for more than six hours and was still waiting appealed to the striking doctors to have compassion on the sick and resume work.

At the Essikadu Hospital, Mrs Naomi Adomako-Kwakye, the Hospital Matron said the doctors there were on duty and attending to patients. The OPD, dental, emergency and other units of the hospital were busy. Mr. Eric Koomson, Executive Officer of the Hospital said the hospital authorities were preparing to begin the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He said some patients who came to the hospital with their NHIS Identity cards were compelled to pay because the scheme was not operational at the hospital.

Mr. Koomson therefore, asked managers and other officials working on the Scheme to speed up their work to enable more people have access to better health care delivery.

He appealed to philanthropists to assist the hospital with the suitable equipment and machinery to enable the hospital undertake tests in Sickle Cell and other diseases.

Mr Koomson said the hospital was compelled to refer such cases to the Effia Nkwanta hospital at Sekondi. He said the hospital had no means of transport for most of the staff who live far away and find it difficult to report for duty on time. 05 Sept. 05