Akim Oda, Feb, 11, GNA - The Akim Oda Government Hospital generated more than two billion cedis and paid 90 million cedis tax to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) last year.

The Principal Medical Officer in-charge of the hospital, Dr Emmanuel Tetteh Ashong, who announced this at an end-of-year party at Akim Oda on Wednesday, said the amount was 400 million cedis more than the revenue generated in 2002.

He said 30 million cedis of the amount was spent on the rehabilitation of the plumbling systems in all the departments as well as water tanks.

Dr Ashong said in order to improve upon emergency response capability, the hospital had established a VHT radio communication equipment at a cost of 34 million cedis, adding that "we have almost finished with the computerization of the hospital".

On problems confronting the hospital, he said they need a stand-by electricity generator, more doctors and nurses, a laboratory technician, modern laboratory equipment and staff accommodation.

He appealed to people who may fall sick not to hesitate to report at the hospital for treatment on time, adding that over 60 per cent of deaths which occurred at the hospital were less than 24 hours on admission due to delays in reporting.

Members of staff who distinguished themselves last year were presented with various prizes which included three-burner gas stoves, pressing irons, blenders, set of cooking utensils, sewing machines and colour television sets.

Dr Ashong won the "Best Medical Doctor Award", Miss Mary Fiankoo "Over-all Best Worker, overall all best paramedic, Miss Junita Lartey and best public health nurse, Miss Vida Mann.