Tarkwa (WR), Feb. 5, GNA - Dr Mahammadu Mbiniwaya, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist has been posted from Jirapa in Upper West Region to Prestea Government Hospital as the new resident medical practitioner. He was formally introduced to the people of Prestea at a ceremony at the hospital that has been without a medical practitioner for the past two years.

Dr Kennedy Azantilow, former resident medical practitioner left the hospital about two years ago under controversial circumstances including ejection from his bungalow by management of State Gold Mining Company (SGMC).

Dr Robert Sagoe, Deputy Western Regional Director of Health Service said though some patients outside Prestea-Huni-Valley District accessed health care from the hospital, people from Prestea should show sense of ownership and offer the needed communal support the hospital required. He appealed to the people to allow the authorities and staff to operate in a congenial atmosphere.

Mrs Caroline Otoo, Acting Prestea-Huni-Valley District Director of Health Services, regretted that six women lost their lives during the absence of a resident medical practitioner adding, "The deaths could have been prevented."

She said a major problem facing the hospital was accommodation and appealed to chiefs and people in the area to help in the provision of accommodation to the hospital staff.

Mrs Otoo said three midwives posted to the hospital left because of lack of accommodation.

Dr Mbiniwaya said he was practising in London but a newspaper publication in search of a medical practitioner for the district touched his heart and decided to return to serve the people. He said having the spirit of serving humanity spurs one on in spite of challenges, adding "it is not money but service to mankind is a relief and satisfaction to his soul." Dr Mbiniwaya observed that the hospital lacked many facilities and pledged to work hard to improve on the standard benefiting a district status.

He said a nation with unhealthy people make the economy weak and efforts would be made to maintain the health of the people which was the source of rich economy. Dr Mbiniwaya said he was prepared to accept his shortcomings in good faith adding, "To err is human."