Sunyani, Aug 17, GNA - Dr. Jacob Abebrese, Medical Director of the Brong-Ahafo Regional Hospital, has said HIV and AIDS and anaemia were the major causes of death during the first half of the year.

He told the GNA in an interview that the other causes of death were sepsis, cardiac failure, renal failure, malaria, diabetes, hypertension and hepatic failure.

Dr Abebrese said 303 new HIV cases were recorded and malaria under five was 699 with 10 deathst.

He mentioned malaria, accidents and anaemia as the main causes of admissions during the half year, with hernia, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, myoma uterus, abortion and diabetes as others.

Dr Abebrese said the major challenge facing the hospital was staffing which, he said, was as a result of inadequate accommodation.

“With a population of more than 1000 employees, accommodation does not go beyond 200. Accommodation is woefully inadequate and it is not conducive to house senior officers outside the hospital”, he said.

Dr Abebrese said another challenge was scarce space at the accident and emergency unit.

“The place is meant for referral cases but people move in from other districts with conditions they could have sought for first aid.”

Dr. Abebrese said despite the challenges the hospital made some remarking strides during the half year.

The hospital has been able to set up an Intensive Care Unit and had put up a housing block for mortuary attendants with assistance from the Sunyani Municipal Assembly.

“Formerly the attendants shared the same block with the mortuary and this was not healthy for them”, Dr Abebrese said.