The 37 Military Hospital has begun a DM30 million-expansions project to cater for the increasing number of patients who visit the hospital.

Ever since the strike of medical personnel in government hospitals last April, civilian attendance at the hospital has increased dramatically. However, the hospital, which was built in 1941, has seen very little expansion and improvement in its facilities.

The project includes the construction of new units and the rehabilitation of the mortuary, theatre, outpatients department, other ranks and officers wards.

Work on the radiology and intensive departments has already been completed whilst the entire project is expected to be handed over to the military authorities in December this year. Col. D. D. Twum, Commanding Officer of the 37 Military Hospital who conducted the President round, deplored the resort to strike actions by health professionals in the country.

"Strike action should never be undertaken as a condition for demanding improved service conditions, he said. He said whenever health personnel embark on strikes their actions result in the deaths of people and advised all categories of health personnel to resolve never to do anything to put the lives of patients in danger.

Col. Twum recalled that in April this year when health personnel in government hospitals laid down their tools,facilities at the Military Hospital were overstretched and several civilians died. He said facilities at the hospital, were established, without taking into consideration the increasing health needs of the people.

He said the flocking of people, mostly civilians, to the hospital these days calls for the expansion of facilities, hence the expansion project. The Commanding Officer said the hospital has also embarked on computerisation programme using broadband and cyber space technologies to ensure efficient health delivery and improve record keeping.

Lt. Col. E. K. T. Donkor, Minister of Defense who accompanied the President urged the contractors to speed up work. Professor Kweku Danso Boafo, Minister of Health, noted that healthcare transcends ministerial and sectoral bounds and gave the assurance that his ministry would collaborate with the military authorities in the provision of facilities to enhance quality health service delivery.

Alhaji Abdulai Yahaya, board member of the Ghana Supply Commission who sustained injury during the recent plane crash, took the opportunity to commend Brigadier Twum and is staff for their good work and dedication. He said ever since he was admitted, the doctors and nurses at the 37 Military Hospital have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment.

He appealed to President Rawlings to institute awards scheme for doctors and nurses at the hospital.