Kumasi, Dec. 30, GNA - Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, has asked staff of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to remain committed and let the interest of patients be their number one priority. He said for the hospital to retain its status as a centre of excellence, staff needed to redouble their efforts and be abreast with modern trends in medical care to win the confidence of their patients and the public.

Mr Opoku Manu made the call at an Annual Thanksgiving Service organized by KATH on Wednesday. The Minister said despite challenges facing them, they must work to the admiration of patients and their families, adding that they should show fellow-feeling.

Mr Opoku Manu said the government was committed to improving the working conditions of all workers in the country and urged them to rededicate themselves to their work to improve the health status of the people. Professor Ohene Agyei, Chief Executive of the Hospital, pleaded with the staff to commit themselves to the maintenance of industrial peace and refrain from embarking on strikes to press for improved service conditions. "We must endeavour to make maximum use of the available internal grievance resolution mechanism in seeking redress as resorting to strikes tend to overshadow the tremendous sacrifices you have been making in providing the best of care to the public," he said.

Professor Ohene-Agyei said management would operate an open door policy and provide the needed logistics to ensure that they delivered to expectation. He said they would also continue to pursue professional development interventions to adequately prepare the staff for the challenges ahead. Reverend Father Samuel Opoku-Sarkodie, Chaplain, in a sermon, advised the workers to let the love of God reflect in their dealings with patients. He said Christmas would be meaningful when they showed concern and love for each other as portrayed by Christ. 30 Dec. 09