A new medical complex, christened Osei Tutu II Medical Complex, has been established at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Hospital, and commissioned.

The complex concept was mooted by the Director of the University Health Services, Dr. Yaw Bio in 2007, and was subsequently approved by the University Council, for which the sod was cut in February 2010.

The new medical complex has 35 single/double beds, air conditioners, a pharmacy, conference room, VIP suite, chancellor suite, bed lift, physiotherapy, internet connectivity, and nurse call/alarm systems and other facilities.

The facility was jointly commissioned by the Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku, and the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Yaw Adusei.

The Akyempimhene represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the Chancellor of KNUST.

He commended the management of the KNUST Hospital for their contributions to the healthcare needs of the country, and appealed to the staff and management to maintain the facility to ensure its long lifespan.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu appealed to the government and other corporate bodies to assist KNUST to establish a second Teaching Hospital in the Kumasi metropolis to help ease the pressure on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof William Otoo Ellis, stated that in view of the strategic location of the University Hospital, the acceptance of National Health Insurance subscribers had increased attendance, thereby increasing the pressure on the existing facilities, infrastructure and staff.

He said the Special Ward would not be attending to everyone, but only those who can pay for the service.

The Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Yaw Adusei, commended the management of the KNUST Hospital for the construction of the ultra modern hospital ward.

He said the additional ward would increase access to the hospital’s services, and help enhance quality health delivery in the region.

The Minister pledged the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment to further sustain the co-operation between it and stakeholders, through the introduction of effective policies and programmes which will help promote quality healthcare delivery in the country.