General News of Thursday, 1 April 2004

Source: GNA

Government to provide transport to health workers

Juabeso-Bia (W/R), April 1, GNA- The Ghana Health Service (GHS) would soon be supplied with 450 saloon cars, 500 motorcycles and 100 bicycles by the government for distribution to its members.

Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, Director-General of the GHS said the items would serve as incentives to complement the efforts of Service personnel and also curtail their exodus. The Director-General was speaking to personnel of the Service at Juabeso-Bia as part of his tour of the Western Region

He advised the beneficiaries to ensure that they pay back for the items adding " your early repayment, would enable others to benefits the scheme". He urged the district directors of health services to ensure that the health component of the HIPC funds, were used for the development and promotion of health infrastructures.

In another development, Kasapreko Kwame Bassanyin, Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi Traditional area, has appealed to the government, to construct a new hospital for the people of Wassa Akropong and its environs. He said the present clinic built over 30 years ago, is unable to cater for the large number of patients who patronise it. Kasapreko Bassanyin made the appeal when Prof. Akorsa, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace at Wassa Akropong.

He said a new hospital would reduce the pressures and undue delays that the hospital and patients have to endure during emergency cases. Ms. Vivian Oppong, a public health nurse called for closer collaboration between health workers, chiefs and the communities in which they operate. She urged them to provide accommodation for health workers to enable them to contribute their quota to the health needs of the people.

Prof. Akosa visited Wassa Akropong, Asankrangwa, Sefwi Wiawso, Enchi, Juabeso-Bia and Wassa West districts, and inspected some health centres.