THE NARH-BITA hospital, in collaboration with NeuroGhana, has established the only functioning private neuro-surgical centre in Ghana.

The centre is dedicated to providing diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research into neurological diseases, back and neck pains, stresses, epilepsy and chronic headaches.

Dr. E. A. Narh, Medical Director of Narh-Bita Hospital, who made this known at the commissioning of the new wards estimated at ?200 million last Thursday, stated that the centre has available and utilizes ultra-modern and state-of the-art equipment for computer assistant surgery, including video controlled brain surgery.

The medical director regretted and bemoaned the failure of the Ministry of Health to pay periodic visits to the private hospitals to monitor the performance of these private hospitals to serve as encouragement and also know some of their problems.

Dr. Narh intimated that private hospitals are playing meaningful roles in the health care and delivery systems and it was unfortunate that the ministry has not been paying attention to the private hospitals.

He recounted that the first time the Ministry of Health visited the hospital some 23 years ago was when it came to inspect the facility as a two-bedroom apartment with a staff comprising himself, wife and one other nurse assistant; saying "today we have blocks of wards, departments and units with modern facilities that provide out-patients the conducive environment required for effective healing process."

According to Dr. Narh, in recognition of the hospital's human resource development, infrastructure and high standard of performance, four years ago, it was accredited by the West African College of Physicians to offer post-graduate training of doctors in general medical practice (family medicine) and the training programme has been ongoing, noting "this initiative will go a long way to support government's efforts in establishing the National Post-Graduate Medical College, to provide more professionals to help develop medical professionals and minimize the brain drain."

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Samuel E. A. Narh, stated that government recognizes the worsening problem of the brain-drain and commended Dr. Narh for such endeavours, especially from the private sector, adding "this will enable our specialists gain exposure to advancement in technology right here in Ghana."

He assured that the assembly will assist the hospital in any way it can to ensure that the health care needs of the people in the municipality are met.