Ho, Feb. 11, GNA-The Ho Municipal Hospital is gradually becoming a first choice health facility for many people in the Ho Municipal area. The attractive physical and social environment has totally changed the image of the facility from a 93death camp" to an institution of hope for= the sick. The ultra-modern fully air-conditioned maternity unit has made the facility the first choice of many expectant mothers, some of whom hitherto had said they preferred to deliver at home rather than in that facility. When the GNA visited the facility on Wednesday, it met relatives of some sick people who were admiring beautiful flowers in the yard and clean environment.

Information available to the GNA indicated that service delivery has improved tremendously at the facility. A Health Assistant who sought anonymity, said people seeking to consul= t with doctors no longer carry their hard copy folders along since the system has been computerised to improve service delivery.

She said consequently, the time patients wait to see doctors has been reduced drastically. Mamattah Salifu, a patient said he could not believe he spent only fiv= e minutes before being attended to by a doctor. "I think the system is now working and we must commend management fo= r the reform and renovations," he said. Mr Jasper Ansong, Administrator of the Hospital, said the computerisation of the facility was to ensure that data were well kept; waiting period reduced, cut cost and improved service delivery. He said currently, the facility has a new doctor and was expecting another at the end of this month apart from 93locum" ones. "We have all needed equipment and all units working and can only giv= e best service delivery to our clients," Mr Ansong said.

He explained that the facility was involved in a peer review mechanism and was introducing best practices to reclaim its position as the first choice health facility for people in the Municipality. "We now have an information and complaints desk, all towards enhanci= ng our efficiency," Mr Ansong said.