Regional News of Tuesday, 2 September 2003

Source: GNA

Medical team arrives in Cape-Coast to boost healthcare delivery

Cape-Coast, Sept. 1, GNA - A 13-member team of international healthcare volunteers based in the United States arrived at the Central Region Hospital at Cape-Coast on Monday to begin a two-week working visit.

The team, which is made up of specialists in general obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery and Aesthetic and Gynaecology Oncology, is led by Dr James Aikins a Gynaecologist, a Ghanaian from Cape-Coast but based in the US.

During their two-week visit, the team which brought along some equipment and medical supply to aid their work would be helping in the treatment of diseases like breast cancer, fibroid, hernia diabetes and hypertension.

Speaking at a durbar to welcome them the Regional Minister, Isaac E. Mr Edumaze expressed gratitude to the team and said he was happy that their visit would enable them to share experiences and ideas with their Ghanaian counterparts to help enhance their output.

The Regional Director of Health service Dr Aaron Offei said their visit would be very beneficial as "there are many deficiencies in healthcare delivery in the country due to inadequate number of health personnel".

He said the visit would enhance collaboration as well as the transfer of knowledge and skills, which is imperative for the improvement of healthcare delivery.

The Cape-Coast Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mieuru Arafat Nuhu announced that the Municipal Assembly had set aside 30 million cedis to cater for their accommodation.

Neeyi Gartey VII, Omanhene of the Efutu Traditional, expressed the hope that the assistance to be given by the team would eventually be extended to all parts of the Region to enable as many people as possible to benefit.

The team, which paid a similar visit to the Hospital last year, are all tutors of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey.