Sefwi-Wiawso (W/R), Nov 25, GNA- A quantity of medical items valued at 200 million cedis were on Monday presented through Dr Kwaku Afriyie, the Minister of Health to support the efficient operation of the Sefwi-Wiawso Government Hospital in the Western region.

The items included hospital beds, x-ray machine, chest monitors, nebulous compressors, baby weighing scales, investigation chairs, hospital bed gratings, sterilisation boxes, bundles of bandages, 250 bed sheets and 50 doctor's apparel.

They were donated by a Christian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), The Joy of the Lord Needy Foundation in response to an appeal to the NGO by Dr Afriyie.

Receiving the items, the Minister said he was aware of the determined efforts the organisation was making to complement government's efforts at improving the quality of health care delivery for the people and encouraged it to keep it up.

Dr Afriyie re-affirmed the government's commitment towards raising the health status of the people in the area and said it was in line with this that facilities at the hospital were being expanded to help provide better services to those in its catchment area.

Already work had started on the construction of a Community Health Training School at the hospital.

The Reverend James Kwasi Kwarteng, Executive Director of the NGO, said his organisation was working in close partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission to help reduce the spread of the disease in the country.

He said they have helped to train over 800 anti-HIV/AIDS educators in the Atwima District.

Rev Kwarteng said the NGO would ensure that it maintained a strong presence in the Sefwi area and mentioned Anyinabirem, Sefwi-Bekwai, Juaboso, Adabokrom and Essam among communities it has targeted for assistance in education and health.

Dr Fred Agyei Otubuah, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, described the donation as a "big relief", saying, it would enable them to improve their services.

Nana Adu Tawiah, Gyaasehene of Sefwi-Wiawso Traditional Area, said the people were grateful to the NGO for its support.