Anyankaso (Ash), June 21, GNA - Work on the Urological Specialist Hospital project which is being executed at Anyankaso-Nnoduaso in the Offinso district of Ashanti would begin next month. A ceremony to signify the commencement of the first phase of the project was performed at Anyankaso on Tuesday. The hospital will take care of urinary genital and kidney disorders.

The two million-euro hospital project, which covers several hectares would be completed in 2008.

Ananse Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in the Netherlands in collaboration with the Offinso Traditional Council, is funding it.

In a briefing with newsmen, Dr John Gerald de-Wall, Chairman of the Foundation, said the first phase of the project comprises the construction of a theatre block and wards for the admission of patients. He stressed that the second phase, the work of which is expected to begin in the latter part of next year also comprises the expansion of the wards and construction of staff and doctors' bungalows as well as an Out-Patient Department (OPD).

Dr de-Wall, who is an Urologist and originator of the project, bemoaned the lack of adequate urologists in the country with the death of the three eminent urologists in an accident while returning from a medical mission and said it was high time resources were committed to the study and training of urologists.

He cited the Netherlands for instance where there were about 350 urologists to take care of the country's 16 million population, whilst official figures in Ghana indicate that there are only nine urologists to take care of the country's 20 million population. He said the Foundation would look critically at the possibility of establishing a Urological Training Centre after completion of the hospital so as to enhance health care delivery in the country and address the yawning disparity.

Mr Abraham Odoom, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, commended Ananse Foundation for the bold initiative and stressed the need for strong government-private sector collaboration in the provision of health facilities. Nana Wiafe Akenten III, Omanhene of Offinso Traditional Area, in a speech read on his behalf, cautioned that the traditional council would deal ruthlessly with residents who encroach on the land earmarked for the hospital project.